Tickets are on sale now for what has become a fast-growing Taste of Effingham.

The third annual event is scheduled to be held March 7 at the Effingham County Recreation and Parks gym on Highway 119 in Springfield, and Effingham Chamber of Commerce Director Rick Lott is happy with how it’s blossomed since its start.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it’s grown over the three years,” he said. “‘Tastes’ are small events, compared to Oktoberfest or the fireworks. But this keeps getting bigger. More people are coming. More restaurants are participating. I’m tickled to death how it’s coming together.”

There were 14 restaurants signed up as of Thursday morning, including The Schnitzel Shack, Butterducks Winery, the Effingham College and Career Academy Culinary Class, Simply Southern, Poppy’s BBQ, Bobby’s Hometown Restaurant, Gaffney’s Cheap Seats, Savannah Tech Culinary Class, Muthers BBQ, The Vintage Bee, Farmhouse Sweets, Larry’s Giant Subs, and Simply Catering.

“We’re still waiting to hear from a few,” Lott said.

In addition, the Taste of Effingham also has a silent auction, and the items up for bid run the gamut. Auction items include weekend hotel packages for Daytona Beach, St. Simons Island, Chattanooga, Atlanta and two Savannah hotel stays. There will be two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta available for bid.

Also included in the auction will be a Paula Deen gift bag, Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours gift certificates and four passes to Atlanta’s Stone Mountain and much more.

“I think it’ll definitely be a good thing,” Lott said.

Harry O’Donoghue, a mainstay at River Street’s Kevin Barry’s and host of the Georgia Public Broadcasting “The Green Island” radio show will headline the entertainment. He’ll be joined by Carroll Brown, another Kevin Barry’s regular, and the Savannah Irish Dancers.

“We’re excited about the twist we’re doing with entertainment,” Lott said. “We’re trying to position this as Effingham’s own St. Patrick’s Day.”

Along with the food, auction items and music, participants have a choice of soft drinks, water or a glass of beer or wine from which to select. Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Children 6 and under are admitted free.

“What is different about this Taste is that Tastes in other cities have been a networking event,” Lott said. “Here, while there is some of that, it is more of a community event, and they can sample the food from a lot of different places. It’s really a deal.”

Tickets are available at the Effingham Chamber, Heritage Bank of the South branches, GeoVista Credit Union, the College and Career Academy, Gaffney’s Cheap Seats, Larry’s Giant Subs in Rincon and Springfield, Effingham County 4-H and Poppy’s BBQ, among others.

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