The 14th annual Taste of Bryant sponsored by Everett Buick GMC on Tuesday
July 30, 6:30 to[more] 8:30 p.m., has already attracted a record 34 food servers. The event will be held at the Center at Bishop Park, 6401 Boone Road. Silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m.
“New this year are a roving jewelry model, a country band playing at the Senior Adult Center and a lot of new foods,” said chairwoman Beth Smith of Heartland Bank.
Foods include red velvet pancakes, BBQ, catfish, chicken, shrimp, hushpuppies, pulled pork sliders, chicken cordon bleu, steak, ribs, salads, pizza, cheese dip, salsa and chips, potato bites, cookie sandwiches, chicken salad, waffles, BLTs, donuts, cakes and flavored teas.
Silent auction items can be donated by anyone who is wishing to draw attention to a product or service their company offers.
“It’s instant awareness. Some businesses and organizations are really clever in what they donate. A visual item or a timely idea sparks attention to a new thing that they are doing,” said Nina Castaldi of Metropolitan Bank, silent auction chairperson.
Among the items already donated are a blue topaz, silver and gold bracelet from Baker’s Fine Jewelry, a Cyberpower battery backup from First Electric Cooperative, a 3.5 ft. metal razorback sculpture from Baptist Health and a glazed ceramic pottery candle from Letta’s Flowers & Gifts.
Individuals may also donate to the silent auction. Community supporters who are not businesses have donated all manner of items in the past – everything from practical items like coupons for eating out to luxury items like artwork, jewelry and fur coats.
“It’s just a fun, no hassles event. You come when you want. Eat what you want. Leave when you want,” noted Rae Ann Fields, Executive Director of the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce.
Silent Auction items can be brought to the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce, 109 Roya Lane.
“We also have a pick up day on Friday, July 19 to come and get what you want to donate,” noted Fields. “The silent auction is great … especially if you are a new business or you have added some new product or service that makes you stand out from the competitors.”
The Chamber has a list of suggested items to go with the “Kickin’ It” tailgating theme. Any item, whether tied to the theme or not, is welcome.
Kids are encouraged to attend, too. They have their own area with portions of floor covered in paper with crayons and chalk available for their artistic expression. They also can participate in a drawing for children’s items. That area is sponsored by Chiropractic Health Center.
Tickets to the event remain $15 for adults and $5 for children. Kids 6 and under eat free.
Tickets go up to $20 at the door that night and tickets are not sold the day of the event as the Chamber office is closed for preparation for the event that evening. Call 847-4702 for more information.
Participants to date include:
Arbys
Abes Ole Feedhouse
Big Mouth Burgers
Chick Fil A
Coltons Steakhouse
Cracker Barrel
Custom Cakes & Creations
Dinner’s Ready
Dixie Cafe
Domino’s Pizza
Dunkin Donuts
Eat My Catfish
Edward’s Food Giant
Gina’s Catering
Hardees
Harp’s Food Store
Henson’s Southern
Home Plate Diner
IHOP
Logan’s Roadhouse
McAlister’s
McDonalds
Moe’s Southwest
Mighty Wings
Pasta Jacks
Riverside Catering
Sonic
Starbucks
Taco Bell
Taco Bueno
U.S. Pizza
Waffle House
Whole Hog BBQ
Zaxbys
