Local restaurants get ready for annual Taste of Wayne County
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on October 6, 2013 1:50 AM
Wayne County's eateries are firing up their ovens and getting ready to prepare their tastiest fare for the annual Taste of Wayne County.
The event, a fundraiser for the United Way of Wayne County, will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Commons in downtown Goldsboro.
There are 24 restaurants participating this year, said Catherine LeChot, United Way community engagement manager.
"Last year, we had 27 participate," Ms. LeChot said. "But we had a couple that are not open anymore. So we feel very good about the number participating this year."
With that many restaurants, there will definitely be a variety of dishes, sure to please everyone.
"We have everything from cupcakes to chili to soup to English fare," Ms. LeChot said. "I think there's a wide variety for every taste palate out there."
Something new this year will be a mini-cupcake-eating contest sponsored by Bake My Day. Here's how it works: When you purchase your Taste of Wayne ticket, stop by Bake My Day's booth and put your name in the jar. Three names will be drawn to compete. Whoever eats the most mini-cupcakes in a minute will be the winner.
To make it more interesting, United Way's executive director Steve Parr and board chairman Mary Bartlett also will be contestants.
New this year is the $500 cash prize that the People's Choice award winner will receive. After you have sampled the fare at the eateries, stop by the United Way tent to vote for your favorite.
In addition to good food, there will also be live entertainment by Idle Threat. Disc jockeys Tommy King and Johnny Carr will play music whenever the band takes a break to keep the excitement going throughout the event.
Door prizes will be given out at the Taste of Wayne County. Sign up at the United Way tent. Names will be drawn every 15 minutes.
"According to the weather forecasts, it looks like it's going to be a great day -- not too hot and not too cold," Ms. LeChot said. "We're looking forward to people coming out and supporting United Way and its programs, along with the local restaurants."
Participants in this year's Taste will be Bake My Day, Mt. Olive Pickle, Krispy Kreme, Zaxby's, Los Fogones, Pizza Inn, Texas Steakhouse and Saloon, Carl and 'Chelle's Grill Room, Mission Foods, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Culligan Water, The Flying Shamrock, J.J. Ashley's, Great Harvest Bread Co., Brown Bag Cafe, Matchbox Restaurant and Bar, Mile High Hot Sauce, Heroes, Popeyes, Longhorn Steakhouse, Uniquely R's Tearoom, Dawn's Country Kitchen, JoJos and The Laughing Owl.
Tickets are $15, with children under 6 free. They are available at the Wayne County and Mount Olive chambers of commerce, Zaxby's on Berkeley Boulevard, Bake My Day at 2305 Norwood Ave., Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. at 219 N. John St. and the United Way office at 301 E. Ash St. Or they may be purchased online at tasteofwayne.com.
For more information, call United Way at 919-735-3591.