Farm to Fork Dinner Feeds Local Ag Programs

Content originally posted by Cassandra Profitt in The Messenger on July 1, 2025. 

Independence Bank is selling tickets for its annual Farm to Fork Dinner beginning today. All proceeds from this event, which the bank has been holding for nine years, will benefit both local FFA chapters and 4-H groups.

Money from this event also funds two Danny Peyton Memorial Scholarships each year, given to seniors from both Madisonville-North Hopkins and Hopkins County Central high schools who intend to pursue an agricultural degree.

“In the past eight years we have raised a total of $76,500,” said the bank’s Vice President Cheri McNary, “All of that money each year is split between those three organizations and the two scholarships.”

The five course meal will include ingredients from local farmers, grown in the Independence Bank Green Acre at Mahr Park. The menu will be designed and cooked by Catering and Creations and food will be served by local FFA and 4-H students.

“We are very proud of our Green Acre,” said McNary. “The corn has already been planted there, and it will be picked by Independence Bank employees. That is the corn that is used in one of the entrée dishes.”

This year, the dinner will be themed around the popular television show Yellowstone. While there is no requirement to dress up, people are invited to dress as their favorite characters and participate in a best dressed contest.

“Last year was the first year that we did a theme,” said McNary. “It was so much fun and it was so well received, and we decided that we would do that again this year. We are incorporating all of the Yellowstone series T.V. shows, the 1883, the 1923, and the original. It’s not required, and just because you’re dressed, you don’t have to participate in the contest.”

This event is for people aged 21 and over. Individual tickets are $76 and tables are $608. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (270) 824-1476 or visit either Independence Bank location in Madisonville. The dinner will be held Aug. 23 at the Ballard Convention Center.