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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

One of the biggest foodie nights in Chilton County is beginning its preliminary planning as the Taste of Chilton County returns on Oct. 16. Hosted jointly by the Rotary Club of Chilton County and Senior Connection, the event brings together restaurants from all across Chilton County under one roof to serve up some of their best dishes.

In preparation of the event, the Rotary Club is seeking sponsorships that can fall under three categories; a $250 silver sponsorship, a $500 gold sponsorship and a $1,000 platinum sponsorship. Sponsorship forms can be picked up at Senior Connection in Clanton.

“We could not do this event without Senior Connection,” Brandy Clackley, president of the Rotary Club, said. “We use their facilities, they help us plan and decorate, they sell sponsorships and do a lot to help us.”

Proceeds from the event are split between the Rotary Club and Senior Connection. Senior Connection uses their portion to fund its yearly programs, and the Rotary Club uses theirs to make a donation to the Chilton County Department of Human Resources.

The event is the biggest fundraiser for Senior Connection each year. Marth Thornburgh, a member of the Senior Connection committee, said she enjoys it because it gives them an opportunity to work closely with another organization in Chilton County, and also more exposure for theirs.

“It gives us additional exposure for people to come in and see what all we have to offer here,” Thornburgh said. “This helps us continue to grow … We typically have new members join before or after the event, and they realize what we have here. That is a big part of it for us.”

Last year, the Rotary Club donated over $5,000 to the DHR foster care program.

Each year the event brings in around 18-20 different restaurants, and the same is expected in 2023. Last year, Country Two Lane Catering took home the best overall winner for the second consecutive year while GeMa’s Cupcakes Plus won the best sweet category. Heard’s BBQ and Soul Food won the best savory category.

“You get to try each of the restaurants, and it is a family friendly event,” Clackley said. “We get excited about it every year.”

The 2023 Taste of Chilton County is from 5-7:30 p.m.