Old Town Cape’s Farm to Table supports downtown revitalization

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Local chefs, farmers and community members came together Sunday for Old Town Cape’s second annual Revivify: Farm to Table fundraiser, raising money to support downtown revitalization.

Spanish Street was transformed into an outdoor dining area for the event, which featured a four-course meal prepared by local chefs using ingredients largely sourced from farmers market vendors.

Guests also enjoyed live music, drinks and a silent auction.

Old Town Cape Executive Director Alix Gasser said Revivify is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds helping support its downtown revitalization efforts.

“This is Old Town Cape’s largest fundraiser of the year. It helps further our mission, our revitalization of downtown Cape Girardeau,” Gasser said.

Gasser said the event expanded in its second year, bringing in more chefs, produce vendors and dessert vendors.

Old Town Cape’s revitalization efforts focus on four areas: economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. The organization works to strengthen downtown businesses, encourage investment and promote the district.

For attendees, the evening also served as a reminder of the importance of supporting locally owned businesses.

“If you don’t support them, they’ll fail,” said Dalton Buehler, owner and broker of Tabor Commercial Real Estate. “And the other thing is, we have such a vibrant downtown and so many different types of businesses down here.”

Gasser said the event also creates opportunities for residents to connect while experiencing downtown Cape Girardeau.

“We’re right in the heart of downtown. We’ve closed down Spanish Street. We have this big, long, communal table so that neighbors can sit with neighbors,” Gasser said. “You make new friends. You’re sitting with some old friends.”

Money raised through Revivify will support Old Town Cape’s continued efforts to strengthen and revitalize downtown Cape Girardeau.