Hundreds of patrons got a taste of local cuisine Thursday night as they took part in the 7th Annual Taste of Effingham, an event showcasing food and drink from area restaurants.

The Taste of Effingham took place at the Effingham County Recreation Department in Springfield this year and featured cuisine from local establishments, a musical performance from popular Irish folk singer, Harry O’Donoghue, and a silent auction with plenty of items to bid on.

Tickets for the event were between $15-$25 depending on the number purchased and provided the ticket-holder with the option to choose between delicious food and drink booths set up in the gym.

Spotted amongst the attendees were Chamber President Rick Lott, Effingham College and Career Academy CEO Dr. Barbara Prosser, Rincon City Manager Wes Smith, Effingham County IDA CEO John Henry and more.

Participating restaurants and vendors were Tin Fin, El Real, Butterducks Winery, Schnitzel Shack, Effingham College and Career Academy, Sweet Tea Grille, Gypsy Soul Café, Simply Southern, The Cake Mix, B&R Backyard BBQ, Horton’s Quality Meats and The Grille at Lost Plantation.

Items or trips up for bid for the silent auctions included hotel stays at Doubletree by Hilton at Savannah Airport, the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta and the King and Prince at St. Simons Island.

Sponsors for the event were Renasant Bank, Queensborough Bank, Teach Right, Burns World Travel, GeoVista Credit Union, Platinum Properties, Ameris Bank, Coca-Cola, Effingham Health System, Georgia Power, Effingham County IDA, Georgia Transformer, Edwards Interiors and Coldwell Banker.