Taste of Wayne returns Oct. 8
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on September 26, 2016 9:57 AM
It's almost that time again for tasting some of the mouthwatering foods that Wayne County restaurants have to offer.
The 26th annual Taste of Wayne will take place Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the block in front of city hall.
"We extended this year's event by 30 minutes at the request of the restaurants," said Catherine Lechot, community engagement manger with United Way. "They feel like they just get in their groove and then it's like, 'We're done.'"
She said the Taste is a food festival featuring Wayne County cuisine.
"We have a lot of local nonchain restaurants that participate, and we have some chains participate," Mrs. Lechot said. "It's a great way for people to see what Wayne County has to offer when it comes to food. You get to taste some foods from places maybe you wanted to go to, but aren't quite sure."
There are almost 20 restaurants so far this year.
A couple of new ones are Big Jim's Pizza and Kickin' Kiwi.
And Uniquely R's, which participated in 2013, is returning this year with some of the teas for sale in the business.
"We also have the ones coming back who have come since they've opened their doors, like Carl and Chelle's, Great Harvest, Mount Olive Pickle, Longhorn Steakhouse, Zaxby's, Popeyes, Ed's and Pizza Inn."
The People's Choice Award will be given out again this year, Mrs. Lechot said. Visitors to the Taste of Wayne use their ticket stub to vote for the award.
Horne Moving Systems Inc. is sponsoring $1,000 cash awards, including $600 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place.
United Way is still taking entries from local restaurants who want to participate in the event. Those interested in participating can go online to tasteofwayne.com or call United Way at 919-735-3591 for an entry form.
New this year will be a kids zone, which is sponsored by Goldsboro Pediatrics. The area will include inflatables and facepainting. It's free with a paid adult ticket.
The Goldsboro Police Department will have McGruff the Crime Dog at the kids zone. This year's goal for the Taste is $10,000 to improve 200 lives.
Mrs. Lechot said the proceeds go back to United Way and eventually back into the community.
"Not only are people buying a ticket to eat great food, but they are also helping people in their own community," she said.
Volunteers are also needed for the event. Those interested in helping can go to volunteerwayne.org or call United Way.
Mrs. Lechot said having a food fundraiser goes back to the different kinds of fundraisers that United Way has throughout the year.
"We have the Elvis benefit concert, the golf tournament and the Taste," she said. "All of those hit different pockets of the population who might not hear of United Way otherwise. We extend our United Way reach through these.
"Anytime we can talk with somebody who maybe is not familiar with United Way and have them have a positive experience associated with it, we hope eventually that might turn into a more consistent investment in their community. Plus, who doesn't love food?"
Tickets for the Taste of Wayne are $15, with children 6 and younger free. They are available online at tasteofwayne.org or at the Wayne County Chamber, Zaxby's, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp., Mount Olive Chamber and the United Way office. Tickets can be purchased online through Oct. 5 and also at the event.
The rain date will be Oct. 9.