“Farmer’s Market – Eat Local, Buy Local” is the theme for the 15th annual Taste of Bryant sponsored by First Security Bank and ServiceMaster on Thursday July 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event has already attracted 32 food servers. It will be held at the Center at Bishop Park, 6401 Boone Road. Silent auction starts at 6 p.m.
“The committee is showing a lot of creativity in planning the decorations,” said co-chair Melinda Johnson of Dinner’s Ready. “Taste of Bryant is a really relaxed atmosphere, like a big party where you can come and go as you please and eat what you want.”
Foods include fruit crepes, barbecue, catfish, chicken, hushpuppies, mesquite wood grilled meats, steak, mini sandwiches, chili, lasagna, wings, ribs, salads, pizza, southern style cheesy corn, salsa and chips, chicken salad, cookies, cupcakes, waffles, cakes, coffee, pastries, Indian deserts, teas and all manner of “homemade delectables.”
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,” said Derek Phillips, co-chair. “Some businesses and organizations come up with great ways to represent their business. A visual item or a timely idea sparks attention to a new thing that they are doing,”
Among the items already donated are sunglasses, cooling towels, rounds of golf, automotive work (brakes, oil changes), food, gas cards and a number of garden-related items.
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.
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 18 to come and get what you want to donate,” noted Chamber Director Rae Ann 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,” she said. “The Chamber has a list of suggested items to go with the Farmer’s Market theme. Any item, whether tied to the theme or not, is welcome.”
Kids are encouraged to attend, too. They have their own area complete with large areas 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:
Abes Ole Feedhouse, Arbys, Bistro Catering, Chick Fil A, Coltons Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel, D’Carlos, Desi Den, Dickey’s BBQ, Dinner’s Ready, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Eat My Catfish, Gina’s Catering, Harp’s Food Store, IHOP, Kum & Go, Logan’s Roadhouse, McAlister’s, McDonalds, Moe’s Southwest, Riverside Catering, Sanctified Cakes, Sonic, Starbucks, Sugar Dumplins, Taco Bell, Taco Bueno, U.S. Pizza, Waffle House, Whole Hog BBQ, Zaxbys
