PBS Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich will headline the 35th Annual Wine and Food Celebration Oct. 12.

This event, presented by Ozarks Public Television (OPT) and Brown Derby Wine Center, will take place from 2-5 p.m. at the White River Conference Center in Springfield. Proceeds from this culinary extravaganza support children’s educational programming on OPT.

About Bastianich

Bastianich, a renowned Emmy award-winning TV host, bestselling cookbook author and successful restaurateur, will help OPT mark this special occasion.

“We’re thrilled to have Lidia join us in Springfield to celebrate the 35th year of our Wine and Food Celebration,” OPT General Manager Rachel Knight said.

“This event plays a crucial role in funding our children’s on-air and online educational services, and we’re grateful to Lidia, Brown Derby, our sponsors and the local restaurants and beverage vendors who make this event a beloved annual tradition. Our viewers love watching “Lidia’s Kitchen” on OPT and OPT-Create, so offering fans the opportunity to meet Lidia in person is such a delight.”

Gold ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity 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. “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 uninitiated, Lidia’s signature signoff translates to “Everyone to the table to eat!”

More about the event

The 35th Annual Wine and Food Celebration, sponsored by Easter Law Firm, promises an afternoon of indulgence with samples from top area restaurants, fine wines, craft beers and cocktails. Guests can enjoy entertainment, such as a photo booth, wine pull, raffle, Plinko and live music.

Limited advance Gold tickets are available for $100, offering early entry, meet and greet with Lidia, valet parking, reserved seating and a commemorative wine glass. Silver tickets are priced at $40 in advance or $60 at the door. Advance tickets are now available online.