Taste of Anderson County on Saturday, work continues at Jackson Square

 

Work continued at the Jackson Square parking lot this week as merchants, organizers, and the city prepare for Taste of Anderson County on Saturday.

The substantial completion date for the parking lot work was expected to be Tuesday, September 15, and the goal is to have the project done in time for Taste of Anderson County.

The annual outdoor festival features food and music. It’s scheduled from 4-9 p.m. Saturday, September 19, in the Jackson Square parking lot. This year, there will be music, more than 20 different restaurant vendors, and a bar stocked with beer, wine, and moonshine cocktails and wings, organizers said.

Taste of Anderson County will benefit two local causes: United Way of Anderson County and the Free Medical Clinic.

“Both of these nonprofits are working hard to make a big impact in the community,” a press release said.

It said United Way of Anderson County plans to bring the community together and encourage, enable, and provide help to more than 33 of the community’s nonprofit agencies “working the hardest to provide our community with its greatest needs.”

The Free Medical Clinic serves low-income, uninsured patients in Anderson, Morgan, and Roane counties. Nearly 4,000 have been treated at the clinic, ringing in more than 21,000 visits since January 2010, the press release said.

“With a vast number of patients enduring what may be the worst times in their life, they turn to the Free Medical Clinic, not only for medical care, but a kind word, listening ears, and strong shoulders to lean on,” the release said. “The Free Medical Clinic takes complete patient care to a whole new level.”

The release said visitors at Taste of Anderson County can enjoy a sampling of food from some of Anderson County’s best restaurants, including Hot Bagel Company, Riverview Grill, Secret City BBQ and Pies, The Other One, The Soup Kitchen, Birdwell Catering, Centennial Golf Course, Honey Baked Ham, Alexander Inn, McAlisters, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Inn, Crossroads Coffee, Jimmy John’s, Kroger, and Papa John’s—just to name a few.

“All of these fantastic establishments will showcase their fare in small, ‘taste’-sized portions available from one to four tickets per item,” the release said. Tickets will be available to purchase for $1 at entrances to the event.

The first annual King of the Wing—a chicken wing competition—is open to both individuals and businesses.  Entries may be fried, smoked, or grilled. The only rules are that the wings are prepared, seasoned, and cooked from scratch using no pre-made spice rubs or sauces. To participate, email Naomi@uwayac.org or download the entry form from the United Way website. The winner will be announced at 8:30 p.m.

“As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be tastings of locally made beers, wine, and, yes, moonshine,” the release said. “These tastings will be open for voting, and at the end of the night a winner will be announced in each category.”

The release said a fantastic set list has been confirmed as the evening’s entertainment.

“So, come ready to taste your way to a full belly, and raise your glasses to the causes you’ll be supporting while the music surrounds you at the heart of your hometown,” the release said.

Follow the Taste of Anderson County Facebook event page for updates. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, volunteer, or to enter the King of the Wing competition, call (865) 483-8431 or email Naomi@uwayac.org. Check out the website to download forms: www.uwayac.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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