Your chance to feast on fresh foods wrapped into appetizers, entrees and other delicacies is here: the Ag Committee from the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Field to Fork event Sept. 17.

"We're excited as this year we're connecting our event to the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding," said Gail Linde, IOM, who serves as CEO of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. "People who love food will be our guests and our hosts. It's a showcase of locally produced foods – that's true – but it's also spotlights the people behind the dishes."

The event, which this year includes the tagline of "1776 – 2026; Fresh. Local. Unforgettable" is celebratory. As summer ends, all those great things you grabbed at farmers markets this year – they'll be there.

"It's a great chance to just try new things, to sample a little salad, then have a little appetizer, maybe have a glass of wine, and then chat with the communities that make Field to Fork possible," Linde said. "We're in that period where things begin to rush together, as we find ingredients, recipes and culinary artists that bring it all to life."

Here's how it works: You buy a $50 ticket and attend the event that includes music and much more, at the Brown County Fairgrounds Clubhouse. Since it goes from 5:30-8 p.m. that Thursday night, you need not hurry home from a busy day. Just register with a call or visit to the Chamber website – so they know numbers on portions – and then come out for a lovely late summer night. Meet a few people.

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"We have amazing volunteers. They are the lifeblood of this event," said Linde. "The Chamber's Ag Committee really makes this event their focus, all year long, and the fact so many people leave so happy and full – it makes the hard work worth it."

Linde said this year, there's a few key considerations/new reasons for you to go:

This year's menu connects America's history to what we eat: an assortment of so-close-to-South Dakota foods will be on your plate.

Aberdeen brewers One Legged Pheasant will offer two beers, including a brand-new, one-off lager.

Festivities include the announcement of the 2026 Farm Family of the Year. Last year, the Erdmann Angus Ranch was recognized for their spirit of agricultural acumen coupled with a desire to give back to the community.

"We'll have a pheasant dish, locally raised bison and German sausage, which reflect our roots," Linde said. "One Legged Pheasant and their brewing make this year something unique."

The beer's roots also are local: the grains that go into Maltese Helles Bock are upper Midwest natives, too.

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"We're absolutely excited to be part of Field to Fork and share this German lager with guests," said Ryan Clay, owner and brewer at One Legged Pheasant. "This beer isn't just brewed here: its foundation was brought to life with our allies at Two Track Malting. They're widely recognized for excellence."

Clay alludes to the Gold Medal Two Track Malting earned this year at the Craft Maltsters Guild annual Malt Cup event.

"This lager is clean-finishing, malt-forward with a mild, crisp taste," Clay said. "The fact we get to lift their work up in our own is just a bonus. We're fired up to share this new creation with the folks coming out to Field to Fork next week."

The robust-yet-mild brew is about 6% ABV, so it's not a session drink, nor an overpowering concoction.

One Legged Pheasant also will offer its west coast hazy pale ale, Little Stargazer. These nuances of local knowledge, multiplied by other locals – with the whole battalion in love with food, flavor and fun – makes Field to Fork something you best not miss.

"Couples, families and individuals all come together, and everyone leaves smiling and full," Linde said. "We hope you'll make next Thursday a chance to enjoy the feast and meet some of the people that make local foods in the upper Midwest second to none."

Sign up today on the Chamber site.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Sample local brews and bison at Aberdeen's Field to Fork event