SILT’s Second Annual Foodie Fest drew an estimated 150 people to a locally-sourced meal at Embassy Suites Nov. 21st. SILT used the occasion to celebrate its first Growing Good Award, presented by Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm to Practical Farmers of Iowa. 

Speakers included Veggie Thumper Lyssa Wade, Mayor Frank Cownie and surprise guest Marianne Williamson, candidate for president. The evening included a number of video presentations of SILT farms and farmers and one landowner planning to donate an easement in 2020. SILT invited all candidates to speak at the reception, and US Senate Candidates Eddie Mauro, Suzanne Herzog and Kimberly Graham all took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the crows. Mayoral run-off candidate Jack Hatch was scheduled to speak, but arrived after the reception was over.

“It’s about bringing the SILT family together every once in a while and celebrating generosity and kindness,” said Executive Director Suzan Erem after the event. “We love watching these events evolve into what they want to be.”