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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Taste of Chilton County, the opportunity to enjoy local food favorites all in one place, is set for Oct. 17.

A variety of restaurants and caterers have already committed to participating, but there is still time for local businesses to sign up and offer their delicacies at the event.

Taste of Chilton is the joint fundraiser of the Rotary Club of Chilton County and Senior Connection.

Senior Connection director Vanessa McKinney described it as “a huge event for our community, and giving back to the community. All of the proceeds go back to the community.”

“Taste of Chilton is our largest fundraiser of the year and supports all of our club’s opportunities to give back to the community,” Rotary president Brandy Clackley said. “The largest give back project, of course, is our donation to the DHR Foster Care Christmas program.”

The club has also donated to local schools in previous years. This year, a portion of the funds will be used to upgrade the club’s float for Santa in the Clanton Christmas parade.

McKinney said Senior Connection also supports multiple organizations in the community.

While the food is always the main highlight, Clackley said she also enjoys, “the energy and excitement felt at the event each year. People from all over the county come together to share a meal from our fantastic restaurant vendors. There is such a feeling of community shared in the room.  Everyone is talking about their favorite dishes and asking me, did I try this or telling me, I have to try that.”

“I just love how the community comes together, and everybody pitches in and does their part on the night of the event,” McKinney said.

The deadline for committing to the event is Oct. 14, but the sooner the better. Interested

businesses can contact McKinney at 205-217-1328 or message the Rotary Club of Chilton County Facebook Page.

Volunteers will be on hand to serve food for those businesses that will be unable to have staff at the event.

“We appreciate all of the volunteers that come out from SGA at schools to Distinguished Young Women,” McKinney said.

The event is always well attended with about 300 people. Tickets are available from Rotary Club members and at Senior Connection, 304 Park Plaza in Clanton. Cost is $25. Only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door, so purchasing now is recommended.