Thanks for Taste event

To the editor:
If you were not able to attend the 2nd Annual Taste of Jay County event on October 17, you sure missed an afternoon of fellowship and spectacular food. This event was hosted by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce and was sponsored by Indiana Michigan Power, A Unit of American Electric Power.  
With their sponsorship, we were able to market the event and sell over 300 tickets! There were 23 local restaurants and caterers in attendance to offer their “Best of Taste.”
What a representation of the variety of excellent food choices offered in our community.
The businesses participating this year were: American Legion Portland, Post 211, Bandido’s, Bearcreek Farms, Bell Aquaculture, Buffalo Wings & Rings, Christa’s Bakery & Café, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Diane’s Delectable Delights, El Camino Real Restaurant, I.D.C. Restaurant, Jay County Hospital Nutritional Services Department, Jinny’s Café, Koffee Kup Diner, Mangino’s, Marsh Hometown Market, Pay-Less Pizza, Pizza King of Portland, Ponderosa Steak House, Portland Moose Family Center #417, Richards Family Restaurant, Romer’s Catering & Entertainment Facilities, Second Chance Bar & Grill and The Glass Bonsai.
These businesses were set up in the small gym at the Jay Community Center and as the ticketholders entered, they made their way around the room, filling their trays with appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, side dishes, entrées, desserts and beverages.  
The pleasing aroma of food and the buzz of conversation and laughter filled the air. As they finished making their first trip around, the guests moved into the larger gym to find a table with familiar faces to sit and enjoy their tastings with. Throughout the facility, fall was the theme.  Thanks to The Flower Nook, Cook’s Nursery, Miller’s Merry Manor, Elvin Newhouse, Beyond the Gilded Willow and many volunteers, the Jay Community Center was adorned with decorations to bring the spirit of the season alive.  
Many thanks go to Mr. Greg Franklin for his assistance in making certain we had sufficient electricity for the vendors’ slow cookers, roasters, warmers and other electrical devices.  We could not have made this happen without him. There were many other local businesses that contributed to the event. Bearcreek Farms allowed us to use their table linens. Portland Lion’s Club offered their tables for the vendors to use. Patriot Sportswear & Embroidery/Patriot Fitness arranged the use of the dining tables with The Rock church and Pak-A-Sak donated bottled water for the event. There were several other volunteers that assisted and we thank you very much.
The Taste of Jay County Committee included: Janis Fritze, Gyneth Augsburger, Kathy Carpenter, Karen Whitacre, Nancy Reed, Carla Loy, Michele Bichette and Tressie Monroe.
A special thanks also to the chamber executive director, Vicki Tague, and the membership director, Mandee Mikulski for all of their help planning the event and working on the day of the event!
As the event came to an end, the committee counted the ballots.  It was very difficult for the people to choose a favorite in each category.  All of the entries were delectable!
We congratulate each of the winners and encourage everyone to dine with these businesses to experience their specialties.
Jay County is very fortunate to have so many food choices and we thank all of the vendors for their participation. We can’t wait until next year to see what Jay County has to offer.
Until then, good eats and good times!
Annette Alexander, chair, Taste of Jay County Committee[[In-content Ad]]