Another banner year for Taste of Pine Island
Even with unfavorable weather conditions, large crowds of hungry visitors gathered at this year’s Taste of Pine Island making this annual event a big success. According to even organizer Pat Burman, a big draw again this year was the Seafood Chowder Cook-off.
“This year was a success for everyone, including the winners of the chowder contest. While all the entries were outstanding this year, we are pleased to announce that taking top honor once again was year was the Perfect Cup from Matlacha,” Burman said. “And even though our attendance was down a bit from last year, the vendors agreed that they all did well and many have already signed up to participate again next year.”
Another draw to the event was the annual Fish Drop to benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. This year’s lucky winner was Pine Island resident, Kay Wickham. Second place was awarded to Clark Howell, also a Pine Island resident and third place went to Terry Brown.
Burman attributed the success of the event to all those who participated.
“The goal of the Taste is to bring people out to see our beautiful island and support our island businesses and our scholarship program,” Burman said. “I want to extend a thank you to my fellow Kiwanians and volunteers who worked to make the Taste of Pine Island a huge success. Also lending assistance were the Pine Island Community Church Youth Group, Pine Island Boy Scout, Frank Valcarcel, the staff at SunTrust Bank, SW Capital Bank, TIB Bank, my husband Mike Burman and my sons Aaron and Nathaniel, Chris Stack and especially my daughter Rachel, whom without her help it would take me at least a full week to do what she and I got done in a few days. I also want to thank the all of the vendors and sponsors who make this event as successful as it can be.”
The members of the Kiwanis recognized by Burman were Don Beatty, Bill and Carol Cahak, John Cammick, Penny and Ken Honc, Robin Carton, Kathy Ball, Brian Faulkner, Roger and Linda Beathard, Kathy Woolston, Susan Klasing, Peggy Cozadd, Dale Dahlberg, Gary and Elise Edwards, Carlyn and Ralph Herring, Belinda Marud, Nick and Jane Mohar, Andre Mule, Pete and Gloria Nelson, Lisa Benton, Robin and Randy Parmerlee, Buzzy Phillips, Scralett Player, Tonya Player, Mike Shevlin, Bill and Jody Thacher, Dale Yost and Shawn Iler.
Burman will serve as chair for the 2012 Taste of Pine Island and has already begun taking reservations for vendors.
For those interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor, entertainer or volunteer for next year’s event, contact Pat Burman at 283-0777.