By Karey Frink
Weekly Eighth Day Farm potlucks— you may have heard about it through the grapevine or you might have not known about the existence of these small gatherings. Potlucks happen every Wednesday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Park. Weekly potlucks were introduced very early to the EDF interns as it gave us an opportunity to get to know our board members, volunteers, and CSA members in a more communal setting. These potlucks are incredibly special and have much more substance than the typical party offering of store-bought cookies.
The first important component to potlucks: the dishes themselves. The term potluck has been explained to me by breaking it down into two words. The first being “pot” in which everyone who attends is encouraged to bring a dish to share. Secondly, “luck,” which is what you need to ensure that there is enough food for everyone who comes to the event! It has always amazed me that there has never been an EDF potluck that didn’t have enough food. There is often enough for seconds!
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty details that you all are wondering, “is the food actually good?” From my perspective, a majority of the potlucks have ended with me rubbing my belly wondering why in the world I ate so much. The answer being, I have little to no self-control around good food. My goal at potlucks is to try a bite of every dish, and I have found that none have disappointed. I have learned numerous new recipes that I want to try thanks to potlucks.
I think I can speak for the rest of the interns when I say that these weekly potlucks have been the highlight of our weeks. They provide us with not only amazing dishes, but great company as well. One of the many reasons why interns love potlucks is because it gives us homemade meals in a familial-like setting—something our emerging-adult selves realize we took for granted. Imagine this- one picnic table devoted to the food that is being served, surrounded by many picnic tables filled with laughter, wisdom, as well as gaggles of children.
This brings us to the second important component of potlucks- the company. In the beginning of summer, I was incredibly nervous knowing that I was invited to have a meal with more people that I didn’t know then the people that I did know. I don’t consider myself a social butterfly and was very nervous about what a group of strangers would talk about if the conversation would ever lull. My nerves subsided after seeing the smiling faces that were excited to get to know their EDF farm community and the people that support it. I have created friendships over meals with community members that are from all different walks and stages of life than myself. I have gained more wisdom and knowledge about alternative choices when it comes to lifestyles, religion, and especially food. Needless to say, the conversations have never lulled and have never been dull. I always leave potluck dinners with new recipes, new outlooks on life and, of course, a full stomach.
But seriously, Wednesday night potlucks are open to anyone in the Eighth Day Farm community. They begin at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Park (19th and College) under the gazeebo. We would love to have more company, especially this upcoming Wednesday as it is intern Chelsea’s last week with us. Don’t forget your plate, drink, and silverware as well as a dish to share!
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