A record number of people gathered inside the front entrance of the Black River Coliseum and down the sidewalk Thursday awaiting the beginning of the 12th annual Taste of the Town.
Items from chicken wings, burrito bowls, Philly cheesesteaks and every sweet treat imaginable were available to provide something for everyone during the fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.
Director Chris Rushin expected a crowd between 550 to 600 people ready to sample food and drinks from 28 local vendors.
"This is an incredible event and incredible night," Rushin said. "We are so happy and blessed to host so many of our friends in support of the Boys & Girls Club."
First time attendee AnnaLisa Meredith traveled from Arkansas to support the Boys & Girls Club.
"The Boys & Girls Club is important because they help educate our youth and get them where they need to be," she said.
A couple of Poplar Bluff's newest establishments were in attendance for the first time as well during Taste of the Town.
The Sweet Spot Bakery, owned by Bluff Burgers & Brew co-owner Blake Collins, opened last October and will soon be occupying the former Domino's location.
"We donate to the Boys & Girls Club so this is a natural progression," bakery manager Mary Sloan said. "This is also a good opportunity to get some exposure."
The Sweet Spot Bakery features the original Rowland Stollen recipes and cakes for any occasion.
Larry Hafford of Haffy's Sports Bar and Grill was also in attendance for the first year to support the Boys & Girls Club.
"It's all about the kids and that's why we do it," he said. "They are a wonderful organization for the community."
Hafford added people stopping by were loving the food provided at his booth and returned more than once for samples.
Taco Taco manager Francis Esquivel said he and his family like supporting the community and helping out.
Owner of Las Margaritas and his father, Francisco Esquivel, was located next to his son's business, supporting the Boys & Girls Club for the evening.
Long time attendee Buffalo Wild Wings returned to the fundraiser with many new items that are being added to its menu.
General manager Deanna Limpert said over-the-top nachos and the crunch berry blender were new items for the restaurant, but also brought along some of the classic wing flavors including Asian zing and honey bbq.
Sydney Dewitt has attended the Boys & Girls Club fundraiser for the past several years and enjoys mingling with the community and getting to know people, she said.
As the perfect conversation starter, Dewitt donned a peacock themed Kentucky Derby hat she constructed for the contest, which placed in one of the divisions.
"It took between 30 minutes to an hour to make," she said. "It's a lot of stuff waded up and wired together."
Jeannette Townsend said it was obvious when entering the Black River Coliseum the Taste of the Town has grown over the years and the group does a phenomenal job hosting.
Dr. Yeoman's Dermatology Office manager Caitlyn McCauley said the group could not think of a better organization in Poplar Bluff to give back to as presenting sponsor of Taste of the Town.
"If you don't give back to the kids, who are you going to give back to," McCauley said.
Keeping with the Kentucky Derby theme of the evening, the first ever Run for the Roses was held inside the Black River Coliseum.
Six community leaders mounted their "horses" to serve as jockeys who raced around the Coliseum track.
Jason Jordan, pastor of West Side Church of God, was crowned the winner of the race.
Elegant Edibles, owned by Andrea LaTrasse, was named the People's Choice winner for the evening through voting at each vendor station.
Monetary votes for the People's Choice Award were also donated to the Boys & Girls Club.
"We are tickled to death with the incredible support of this worthwhile event," Rushin said.