ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — No doubt about it, the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s “Flavors of the South” promises a good time for all. “Flavors” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Baldwin County Coliseum. Tickets are $25 each for adults, $10 for children under 12 and are available at the Chamber office or at the door. Call 947-2626 for more information.

The event will feature at least 28 local food vendors who will be offering visitors tastes of what they do best. The event will also offer a silent auction, and a “Chinese raffle,” with prizes donated by local merchants.

“This is an opportunity for area restaurants and caterers to be highlighted,” said Kay Arnette. The Robertsdale resident is the chairperson for “Flavors.”

Several new-to-the-area dining establishments have joined “Flavors” and will be offering bite-sized samples of their wares for people to sample.

“New this year will be Rousso’s of Daphne, who sells seafood, Vitolli’s of Robertsdale who does Italian food, as does Papa’s Place in Robertsdale and we also have Julwin’s of Fairhope.”

The committee consists of Arnette, Cindy Brown, Kim Lowery, Shirley Carpenter, Kay Gartman, Vanessa Mattingly, Mary deLaunay, Delores Sturma, Mary Carolyn McDaniel, and Dawn Kelly.

“It give the public a chance to try some of the things local restaurants serve, and it’s a way to get out,” said Arnette. “We have lots of good door prizes, and a “50-50” raffle. There’s lots of opportunity to go home with goodies.”

“Flavors of the South is a savory, mouthwatering event that will leave you wanting more! Unfortunately, most people are too full by the end of the event to eat anymore … they leave happy and satisfied with — we hope — a win from either the silent auction, Chinese raffle or 50/50 and a satisfied tummy,” said CBCC Executive Director Marian Mason in an e-mail.

In addition to the delicious food, “Flavors” will feature displays from area antique vendors, which include Plunderosa from Loxley, Ponders in Summerdale and Summerdale Auctions in Summerdale Arnette days. The “Gearjammers” car club is also slated to have a display of vintage automobiles in front of the Coliseum.

The event has been growing in popularity.

“We had close to 400 people last year, and we’re hoping for 500 this year,” said Arnette.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Chamber, it’s also a fun time. Last year, children eyed a wedding cake, while their elders sampled delicious food from a variety of restaurants. This year, attendees can sample wine (for those 21 and older) from International Wines, Perdido Vineyards, M & J Wines, (Johnson Brothers Wines and Brookley International Wines are available from Cain’s Cellar/Grocery) and meet friends.

Kay Gartman, a former Chamber board member is finding that “Flavors” is a good way to get re-involved with he community.

“It’s a great networking opportunity,” said Gartman. “It’s important to get to know people.”

“I think the reason why “Flavors” is so popular is because Central Baldwin residents and visitors enjoy good food and they know they’ll get it at this event,” said Mason. “It’s not too long an event, either — only two hours — so we advise attendee’s that they had better check out the auction items quickly, make a bid, and then go eat!”

Here are a list of vendors who will be a Flavors of the South: Budweiser, Burris Farm Market, Cain’s Hurricane Market, Coca-Cola, Farm Fresh Meats, Gulf Distributing, Hickory House BBQ, Hub City Seafood, Ivey’s, Julwin’s, Katy’s Catering, Magnolia Blossom Cafe, Mama Lou’s, Mary Ann’s, Olivia’s, Papa’s Place, Pepsi, Rousso’s, Sandra’s Place, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Stagecoach Restaurant, Stapleton catering, Vitolli’s, Waters Corner, Winn Dixie.