Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Director Rick Lott said that as of Feb.16, there were 14 booths signed up for the first Taste of Effingham to provide food and beverages to the audience at the Effingham County Recreation Department gym on Highway 119 in Springfield.

The event will be held March 3 from 5-7 p.m.

Among the restaurants, caterers, and beverage providers signed up already are: Chef Nick Mueller of the Laughing Boar, the Schnitzel Shack, Kelly’s Tavern, Papa’s Pizza to Go, Back Porch BBQ, The Donut Shop, Simply Southern Catering, Smokehouse BBQ, The Vintage Bee, the Loft Café, Mothers BBQ, Butterducks Winery, Coca Cola, Miller Lite, and more to come! Lott said restaurants can still sign up so they’re not left out of this great marketing opportunity.

For one low price you’ll be able to sample delicious treats from a room full of restaurants and caterers, enjoy a glass of wine, beer, Coke or water, and enjoy great Irish music while looking at the great items for purchase in our Silent Auction! Lott said he’s working to put a ‘first class’ auction together and already has weekend hotel packages for Daytona Beach, Amelia Island, St. Simon’s Island, Atlanta’s Ritz Carlton, and Savannah put together along with a brand new Palm Pre phone from Verizon Wireless, a year’s YMCA membership and more.

“This is one auction you won’t want to miss,” Lott said.

And to lend an Irish flavor to the evening, popular Irish singer, Harry O’Donoghue, will perform. This will be Effingham’s own St. Patrick’s celebration.

If you would be interested in having a food booth for the event, sign up and start deciding what kind of mouth-watering items you will want to present to the audience. The Chamber is hoping for a crowd of between 300 and 500 and if last year’s first Oktoberfest was any indication, this should be another great event for Effingham County.  Restaurants and sponsors are still being taken.

Tickets are $15 or two for $25 and can be obtained at the Chamber offices, at any Citizens Bank Branch, GeoVista Credit Union, Teach Right, Effingham Herald and at many participating restaurants.

For more information on participating, email ricklott@effinghamcounty.com or call the Chamber offices at 912-754-3301.