Jul. 14, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
The Queens County Farm Museum hosted its annual benefit dinner meant to support the organization Thursday evening. Guests at the event enjoyed a cocktail hour with live music and hayrides before sitting for a dinner prepared with select foods grown at the farm.
People take a hay ride at the annual Farmer’s Dinner to Benefit Queens County Farm Museum Thursday. Photo by Paul Frangipane
Among some of the notable individuals in attendance for the benefit dinner who spoke were NY1 reporter Roger Clark, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens County Farm Museum Executive Director Jennifer Walden Weprin, State Sen. John Liu and Council Members Linda Lee and Shekar Krishnan.
Musicians perform at the annual Farmer’s Dinner. Photo by Paul Frangipane
“I really want to thank this farm for all that it does for our borough of Queens but truly opening its doors to everyone across our borough,” Richards said. “This farm is open to everyone, no matter where you come from, no matter your socioeconomic status, no matter your zip code. This farm shows us that it’s possible to grow healthy food in an ecologically sustainable way even in the heart of Queens … and I think it’s more important than ever that we are doing this.”
Photo by Paul Frangipane
Weprin detailed the long and storied history of the farm. Dating back to 1697, the Queens County Farm Museum is one of New York State’s longest continually farmed sites. The largest cultural institution in Queens, it has been named a New York City Landmark and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Queens County Farm Museum gives out fresh herbs to guests at the annual Farmer’s Dinner. Photo by Paul Frangipane
“This farm predates all of New York City and it tells the story of community,” Weprin said. “That is the story of Queens County Farm Museum. We encourage you to join us and be a part of our family. We’re accessible and welcome to everyone.”
Queens Farm Executive Director Jennifer Walden Weprin and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards pose for a photo as Richards presents Weprin with a proclamation. Photo by Paul Frangipane
Regenerative farming practices are implemented in the growing of the farm’s food. The Queens County Farm Museum is also a leader in hyper-locally grown food, cultivating more than 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. In addition to being a model for food production, the Queens County Farm Museum is a model for teaching and research as well.
City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan. Photo by Paul Frangipane
“It is so beloved in our borough of Queens but also a shining example across New York City of a space where we come together not just to get together, to enjoy but also as a place for education,” Krishnan said. “It’s a place to promote healthy living. Our Queens County Farm represents the very best of what green spaces should be in our city and how they must bring our communities together.”
(Left to right) State Senator John Liu, Assemblymember David Weprin, Queens Farm Executive Director Jennifer Walden Weprin, City Councilmember Linda Lee, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, City Councilmember James Gennaro and City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan pose for a photo as the lineup of elected officials present Queens Farm with proclamations and citations. Photo by Paul Frangipane
Weprin was also presented with citations and proclamations by Richards, Liu, Krishnan, Lee, Assemblymember David Weprin and Council Member James Gennaro at the benefit dinner for the work she has done and overseen at the Queens County Farm Museum.
Additional reporting by Paul Frangipane.