Dahlia Nights Dinner Tour 2022, Incredible

Incredible, touching and magical, all words I heard to describe our last Dinner Tour of the season.

The clouds parted to bless us with good weather and September crisp air elevating the night. Chef Dave as usual bringing his Alaska Grown A game that only he can create.

And the flowers, top notch if I don’t say so myself.

We asked the farms of the valley who I knew grew dahlias to contribute a dahlia focused arrangement to promote the Alaska Grown floral industry during the dinner tour. Let me tell you they blew my mind. Each one displayed enthusiasm of color, execution and design. When the farmers delivered their creations the smiling affinity I felt from and for each one is still resonating with me.

I’m deeply touched with each contribution. When you are looking at each farm below pay close attention, each dahlia, herb and flower are all grown right here in the majestic, “local” state of Alaska. Also please note they are all women farmers.

Up first Mimi, of Brown Dog Flower Farm, created a lovely arrangement in white, with dill, stock and array of several of other texture flowers.

Then we have Anne and her daughter from Sun Circle Farm. They brought 5 unique arrangements literally show casing all the blooms they grow on their farm.

The flower farms that follow are near and dear to my heart as all 3 of them took our Flower Farm School together the same year. I absolutely love seeing their success and the beauty they bring to the table.

Raylene, of Alpenglow Flower Farm,Jessica, of Sunny Days Flower Farm

Ashley, of Wild Heart Flower Farm

Now here is the big daddy arrangement of them all from Sarah at Mountain Field Farm and her amazing florist, Erlena.

Combine all these farms arrangements with the 32 made by our guests from the flowers we grow, including the beautiful entrance swag and white lights made for a magical display of blooms all around.

In attendance we also had USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director and long time friend, Amy Pettit speak about why we all should be buying Alaska Grown flowers and food. She highlighted several statistics, like If every household spent $5 a week on Alaska Grown for 25 weeks (June-November when the most products are available) it would generate $32,000,000 in sales! As well as one of my personal favorites is that women represent 47% farmers in Alaska.