By Amber McIver-Traywick

The Surveyor

Thank goodness I don’t have to hunt for my own food. I don’t even know where tacos live.

I do, however, know where you can get some upscale tacos and adult beverages, plus help a local nonprofit organization that wants you to know exactly where your food comes from.

Tuesday, March 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Berthoud Local will be hosting their second annual fundraiser at Hale & Bradford’s Distillery and Tasting Room, 335 Mountain Ave., which they hope will help continue their mission of building community around Berthoud’s local food culture. The evening will include an upscale taco dinner with options like chicken, pork, Mahi-mahi, beans, Spanish rice, salsas, and all the fixings. Gluten-free options will also be available. And since you’re already at Hale & Bradford you can order an adult beverage at the cash-only bar. 

This year the fundraiser will also include a silent auction. “We’ve got some really wonderful items – artwork, skin care, handmade ceramic goods, a local shop is donating set of tires and rims, some lovely port from Blue Mountain Vineyard, gift certificates to various places, and some awesome big items,” Vickie McLane, president of Berthoud Local, explained.

The group has organized the Berthoud Local Farmers Market for the past five years, as well as overseeing the community garden located at Pioneer Park, 115 E Indiana Ave. “In general, we want to raise awareness about local food and locally available products, artisans, and what you can find here locally instead of going somewhere else or a big box store to get your groceries,” McLane said of the group. 

The organization also helps bring educational events to town, covering everything from grafting your own apple trees to how to have productive soil and raising backyard chickens. The annual Farm to Table Dinner the organization hosts in the fall is also a great event that highlights local producers with food prepared by local chefs.

Attendees will see a slide show presentation about everything Berthoud Local has to offer and learn more about potentially getting involved. McLane said there are several levels of membership and sponsorship for corporate and individuals available. “Depending on how people want to get involved, sometimes people have time, and sometimes it’s easier to help out financially.”

For more information, or if you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, visit berthoudlocal.org.