Traverse City Horse Shows Announces Farm to Stable Dinner Series

A chef-driven celebration of food, community, and equestrian sport at Flintfields Horse Park

Traverse City, MI – [June 10, 2025]—Traverse City Horse Shows is proud to announce the Farm to Stable Dinner Series—a new culinary experience that brings together award-winning chefs, regional flavors, and the vibrant energy of Northern Michigan’s summer season. Set overlooking the International Ring at Flintfields Horse Park, each dinner follows the day’s final round of competition, offering a fresh perspective on hospitality at the intersection of food, community, and sport. Each dinner features a different guest chef and incorporates ingredients from local farms, reflecting the season and honoring Northern Michigan’s agricultural heritage.

“Our goal with Farm to Stable is to create something intimate, meaningful, and uniquely Northern Michigan,” said Mindy Lopus, Food & Beverage Director at Traverse City Horse Shows. “We’re pairing incredible chefs with incredible views—and inviting our guests to slow down, connect, and savor something truly special.”

A restaurateur, sommelier, and hospitality consultant, Lopus has helped shape award-winning dining experiences across Michigan, including Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, Bella Piatti, and Red Crown. She has also developed wine and hospitality programs for acclaimed restaurants such as SheWolf and Leña. She joined TCHS in 2025 to lead the venue’s growing food and beverage vision.

Farm to Stable 2025 Schedule

Friday, July 18 | Chef James Rigato

Chef/Owner of Mabel Gray in Hazel Park, Rigato is a multi-time James Beard nominee known for his contemporary American cuisine and deep commitment to Michigan’s agricultural heritage. He received Food & Wine’s “People’s Best New Chef: Great Lakes” award and has appeared on Top Chef, Food Network, and NatGeo.

Saturday, August 2 | Chef Sarah Welch

Sarah Welch is the executive chef and partner at Marrow in Detroit, a James Beard Award finalist, and former Top Chef finalist known for her sustainability-focused, whole-animal cooking. Marrow was named one of Bon Appétit’s Top 50 Restaurants in America and a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. In 2026, Welch will open Umbo, a new restaurant in downtown Traverse City, where she plans to bring her creative, Michigan-rooted cuisine to a new audience.

Saturday, September 13 | Chef Joe VanWagner

Chef Joe VanWagner is the Executive Chef and Partner at Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor. A Michigan native with training in some of the world’s top kitchens—from Daniel in New York to Restaurant A.T. in Paris—VanWagner blends modern technique with a deep appreciation for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. His cooking reflects fine-dining precision and a heartfelt connection to Michigan’s food culture.

Great Lakes Culinary Institute Scholarship Fund

A fourth and final dinner—date to be announced—will benefit the Great Lakes Culinary Institute Scholarship Fund at Northwestern Michigan College.

“This event is about giving back to the region that inspires everything we serve,” said Mindy Lopus, Food & Beverage Director at Traverse City Horse Shows. “We’re proud to support the next generation of culinary talent and to close the series with a celebration that honors both our community and its future.”

How to Attend

Each dinner takes place outdoors beneath the Cabana Coast Club tent, with seating that overlooks the International Ring at Flintfields Horse Park. Capacity is limited, so early interest is strongly recommended. Guests are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the day’s competition—or watch replays on the JumboTron during dinner.

Tickets will be released soon. To be among the first notified, join the interest list by emailing Events@traversecityhorseshows.com.

About Farm to Stable

Farm to Stable invites guests to experience Northern Michigan through the chefs, farmers, winemakers, and community voices who shape its flavor. Set in the idyllic landscape of Flintfields Horse Park, each dinner offers a slower pace, a deeper connection, and a distinctly local take on culinary creativity. Whether you arrive early to enjoy the sport or just for the food, these evenings are for those who savor the season and appreciate the story behind every plate—each menu thoughtfully crafted with ingredients sourced from Northern Michigan farms.

About Traverse City Horse Shows

Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) is a premier destination for summer equestrian events in North America, hosting 13 weeks of world-class competitions, including 12 weeks of FEI-ranked events. Nestled in the scenic landscape of Williamsburg, Michigan—just 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City—TCHS attracts elite equestrian talent from around the globe to Flintfields Horse Park—a venue that seamlessly blends top-tier sport with the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Northern Michigan.