PBS celebrity chef headlining Wine and Food Celebration

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In October, PBS celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich will headline Ozarks Public Television’s 35th Annual Wine and Food Celebration.

According to a press release from Missouri State University (MSU), the event is set for Oct. 12, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. at the White River Conference Center in Springfield. Proceeds from the event support educational children’s programming on OPT .

Gold ticket holders will be able to meet Bastianich from 1-2 p.m. and can purchase copies of her latest book, “Lidia’s From Our Family Table to Yours.”

“I’m excited to be joining the 35th Annual Wine and Food Celebration and look forward to meeting everyone,” Bastianich said in the release. “Together, we can make a difference for OPT’s children’s programming and services. See you there and… tutti a tavola a mangiare!”

To the unfamiliar, Bastianich’s signature sendoff translates to “Everyone to the table to eat!”

Guests at the celebration will have the chance to enjoy samples from top-rated area restaurants, fine wines, craft beers and cocktails. There will also be a photo booth, wine pull, raffle, Plinko and live music.

Limited advance gold tickets are available for $100, which offers early entry, valet parking, reserved seating and a commemorative wine glass in addition to the meet-and-greet with Bastianich.

Silver tickets are priced at $40 in advance or $60 at the door. Advance tickets are available online now.

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