Local restaurants sought for 2013 Taste of the Pine Island
Local restaurants are currently being sought to participate in the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island-sponsored 2013 Taste of Pine Island.
Pat Burman, chairman of Taste of Pine Island, said the cut-off date for local restaurants to participate in the event is November. She said in order to fill all the spots, she has to open up the booths for off-island restaurants at the beginning of December.
“I would like to get Pine Island people in there,” Burman said of the event. “Come out and support a great organization, make some money and promote your restaurant and have a great time while doing all of this.”
She said if staffing is a problem, the Kiwanis Club will provide help with taking orders and collecting money for the restaurant.
In addition to food booths being available, Burman said they also have a few arts and craft vendors spots left, which she would love to see local businesses fill.
The chowder cook-off, as well as the chili cook-off, will be a part of the two-day affair again this year.
The chowder cook-off, which is a people’s choice contest, will be held Jan. 26 with a first place prize of $500, plus a plaque to hang in the winner’s restaurant. The second place prize is $100 and third place prize is $50.
The chili cook-off, also a people’s choice contest, will be held on the following day, Jan. 27. First-place winners will receive $200, plus a plaque to hang in their restaurant. The second place prize is $100 and $50 for third.
Those interested in participating in the chowder or chili cook-offs can call Burman at 239-283-0777.
Tickets for the famous fish drop, which has an increased grand prize this year, are currently available to purchase. A limited 3,000 tickets will be sold for the $2,000 grand prize, which was $1,000 last year. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.
The drop will be held on Jan. 27 during the Taste of Pine Island at 4 p.m.
Strange Arrangement and The WholeTones have already been booked as the entertainment for the Saturday and Sunday event.
Pre-sale tickets for the event will be going on sale soon with a huge second day discount for Taste of Pine Island.
Sponsorships are still available for the Taste of Pine Island.
Burman said one of the events major sponsors for the event is the Pine island Eagle.
The money raised during Taste of Pine Island goes towards the Kiwanis Club local Pine Island college scholarships, as well as other local charities.
For more information, contact Burman at 239-283-0777, or email her at info@PineIslandKiwanis.com.
Individuals are encouraged to check www.TasteofPineIsland.com for updates about the event.