Help out Springfield Farm

Several chefs, breweries, and other farms have joined together for Barn Aid, an event being held to raise funds for Springfield Farm in Sparks. Mark your calendars for Sept. 19 and plan to party and eat.

Why do they need money?

Owner David Smith, who runs the farm with his wife Lilly, two daughters, and several grandchildren, has been fighting a zoning battle with neighbors for almost four years.

The issue is the family’s plan to build a separate retail barn on the property. Currently, the Smiths sell produce, eggs, and meats out of their garage.

Mired in the zoning process, the legal fees have been draining, Smith told me when I visited the farm recently.

The pastoral land—with rolling hills, ponds, and roaming animals—is a scenic setting for the fund-raiser scheduled from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be a complimentary shuttle service from the Hunt Valley light rail station and Wegman’s parking lot.

Chefs Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Gino Troia of Grano, and Jackie Butterfield and Tom Campbell, both of Patchwork Catering, will be turning out delicious fare. Other contributors include Gunpowder Bison, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, Basignani Winery, and The Brewer’s Art.

Tickets are $60 for entry to all events and a picnic “box” of offerings from the restaurants plus a beverage or $30 for access to the musical and farm events. Beer and wine are available at a cash bar.

Here’s good news: Kids ages 10 and under are free. Golden West, one of the organizers, is even providing gratis food for the little ones.

Performers on two stages include Peter Schmader, Zach Kaufmann, Wye Oak, and Zomes. Find out more details and buy tickets online.