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If you don’t have it on your calendar, put in there now: the Pioneers of Local and Organic Foods event at 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at Liberty Hall (7th & Massachusetts). (Click on the image to see a larger image of the promotional poster.)

I don’t know how they’re going to fit everything in that night, but it’s a great program:

• Organizers will recognize and honor several local and organic food pioneers. Those who, according to Local Burger founder Hilary Brown, were “working hard for sustainable food before sustainable food was the thing.” I don’t have an exact count of the honorees, but know who a few of them are, and they more than deserve applause. Planners aren’t saying the names in advance (except to the honorees) so as to build interest, I guess.
• Noted agricultural economist Ken Meter will give a presentation, “Embracing Local Food to Feed Our Economy.” Meter, who has spoken here twice in the past year, has a new show to present. His talk is being translated into Japanese, as Japanese visitors who are taking part in an exchange with Kansas growers, will be in town for the event.
• Attendees will dine on food supplied by Local Burger and the Community Mercantile and listen to music, both before and after the awards and presentation.

That’s a lot for the $5 cost of admission—and a lot to cram into two hours. You can buy tickets in advance at the Merc and Local Burger.

The event is sponsored by Global Partners for Local Organic Foods, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund of Douglas County, The Kansas Rural Center, The Merc, and Local Burger.