'Forks and Corks' set for Friday

Preparations are being made for the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce's Sixth Annual Taste of Fort Scott fundraiser.

At this year's event, titled "Forks and Corks," attendees will be able to sample food specialties provided by 15 local restaurants and caterers, as well as unique beverages and liquors provided by a beverage distributor. Attendees will also have the chance to bid on a variety of donated items during a silent auction and live auction. The event, sponsored by the chamber, is scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St.

Local vendors that will be represented at this year's event include the Buffalo Grill, Cakes and More, Espressly for You, Farmer's Market, Five Corners Mini Mart, Gene's Heartland Foods Deli, La Hacienda, Life+Style, Lyons Twin Mansion Dining, Marsha's Great Plains Deli, Taco Tico/Opie's Pizza, Smokin" Mike's BBQ, Sugarfoot and Peaches, Treasured Memories Catering, and Wood's Supermarket Deli. A beverage distributor will be available with the latest releases in wine, liqueur, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Three awards will also be presented during the event; the People's Choice Award, voted on by attendees of the event, the Committee's Choice Award, voted on by the Taste of Fort Scott Committee, and the Chairman's Award which will be presented to a participant chosen by the event's chairman.

The annual tasting event has become one of the largest fundraisers for the chamber enabling the organization to continue efforts in tourism, economic development and support of the downtown and other community businesses and organizations, according to a news release.

Chamber officials said proceeds from this year's event will go toward the chamber's general operating fund. Last year's event was attended by about 150 people.

Tickets for the event, which cost $20 and will also include a free souvenir wine glass, may be purchased at the chamber office, 231 E. Wall St., or from any member of the chamber's board of directors. For more information, contact the chamber at (620) 223-3566.