The Boys & Girls Club's annual Taste of the Town will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Black River Coliseum. Director Chris Rushin said the fundraiser is a great place to network and socialize among more than 30 area food vendors.
"This is a come-as-you-are event," Rushin said. "There will be people there in shirts and ties and others in shorts and flip-flops. Taste of the Town is our highest attended event of the year."
This year's theme is the Kentucky Derby, Rushin said. There will be a "horse race" featuring "six outstanding local community leaders who have volunteered to be jockeys" in a timed competition around the Coliseum track.
Women are encouraged to wear Derby-style hats for a chance to win a prize donated by Whitworth's Gift Chest Jewelers, he added. Among the festivities will be music provided by Dave Williams of Atom Entertainment. Williams will also co-host the event with Seth Gragg of Bluff Burgers and Brew.
Rushin said past People's Choice prize winners will be in attendance, including Bluff Burgers and Brew, Taco Taco, Tasteful Creations and Mike and Zach's BBQ. He said the Club is excited to welcome new vendors including Scotty's Brewhouse, Sweet Spot Bakery and Foxtrot Coffee.
"Taste of the Town is one of Poplar Bluff's premier social gatherings," Rushin added. "This will be a big night."
Sponsors include Dr. Yeoman's Dematology Office, Rejuv Aesthetics, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Sterling Bank and Poplar Bluff's local Budweiser distributor.
Tickets for Taste of the Town are $40 in advance and are available at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, and at bgcpb.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $45 the evening of the event.