The Carp Village Harvest Supper is returning for its second year this October, inviting guests to close out the fall season with an evening under the stars, local food, live music and dancing, all while supporting an important community cause.
Presented by the Village of Carp BIA with lead sponsor Scout Clean Energy, the second annual Carp Village Harvest Supper will take place Oct. 3 at KIN Vineyards in Carp, with proceeds supporting the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
Set among the vines at one of West Carleton’s most picturesque venues, the evening will celebrate the region’s agricultural roots with a meal showcasing food sourced from local farmers and producers, followed by music and dancing.
‘An evening that feels distinctly West Carleton’
For event co-chairs Lisa Kyte and Greg LeBlanc, the supper is about creating a memorable night while celebrating the community that makes West Carleton special.
“There is something pretty incredible about bringing people together at KIN Vineyards, sharing a meal made with food from our local producers and ending the night with music and dancing under the stars,” says Kyte. “We wanted to create an evening that feels distinctly West Carleton, beautiful, welcoming and rooted in our community, while raising funds for neighbours who need our support.”
The event is hosted by the Village of Carp BIA and aims to build on the success of its inaugural year. Organizers hope the Harvest Supper will become a signature annual event for the community: a chance to gather with friends, enjoy the best of the region and celebrate the final stretch of autumn.
Volunteer and event co-founder Jennifer Stewart said supporting local producers was one of the driving ideas behind creating the event.
“Carp and West Carleton have an incredible agricultural community, and supporting our local producers is really at the heart of this evening,” says Stewart. “When we choose local, we are supporting families, businesses and farms right here in our own backyard. The Harvest Supper gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the food we eat while also helping local families experiencing food insecurity. It brings the entire idea of community full circle.”
Local fare and a relaxed atmosphere among the vines
The supper will feature fresh local produce and sustainably raised meats, recognizing the farmers, growers and producers who contribute to the region’s food system. Guests can expect a relaxed harvest atmosphere among KIN Vineyards’ autumn vines, followed by live music and dancing.
Event co-founder and committee member Tara Azulay said the setting and experience are an important part of what makes the Harvest Supper unique.
“This is the kind of evening that reminds you why living in a community like Carp is so special,” says Azulay. “You’re surrounded by vineyards, eating food produced close to home, connecting with neighbours and friends, and then getting up to dance. At the same time, everyone there knows the evening is helping support people in our own community.”
Organizing committee member Neil Falls said the support the event has received from local businesses and residents reflects the strong sense of community that exists throughout West Carleton.
“What has been especially rewarding is seeing how quickly the community has rallied around this event,” he says. “Local businesses, volunteers, producers and residents have all stepped forward because they understand what the Harvest Supper is about. It’s a celebration of where we live, but it’s also an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organization that is helping our neighbours every day.”
Local business community rallies to the cause
The event has received strong backing from the local business community, with all available sponsorship categories sold out. Scout Clean Energy is the lead sponsor, along with harvest sponsors Cavanagh Construction, Ken White Construction, and Jason Ralph – Royal LePage Team Realty. Harvest sponsors contribute toward the supper’s locally sourced food.
Community sponsors are Greg LeBlanc and Sallie Storey, Syntax Strategic, Ottawa Valley Grain Products (OVGP), West Physio and Highland Park Cemetery.
The event’s volunteer organizing committee includes LeBlanc, Kevin Stewart, Jennifer Stewart, Azulay, Kyte and Falls.
With a local meal, a vineyard setting, music and dancing under the stars, organizers say the Harvest Supper is a chance to gather around a table, support local producers and neighbours, and raise a glass to another harvest season in West Carleton.
Tickets are available through the official Carp Village Harvest Supper ticket page.
