The tenth annual Taste of the South event is still more than a month away, but founder Sharon Smith says it is not too early for vendors who would like to be a part of this year’s festivities.

“We are already looking for vendors who would like to be a part of this year’s event,” Smith said. “We’ve talked to some of the vendors, but anyone who would like to be involved can call the chamber now to be a part of it.”

Smith said there is no charge for professional or amateur chefs who would like to add a dish or desert to the annual cooking competition held in Heritage Park.

“Like always, we will have awards for Best Taste of the South, Best Decorated Booth and Best Desert,” she said. “This year we are considering maybe having a new category so restaurants and professional chefs would be separate from non-professionals.”

Smith said organizing this year’s Taste of the South is especially exciting because it marks a decade of the event’s presence in Atmore.

“I’m amazed at the popularity of the event,” Smith said. “The community definitely comes out to support it and for that we are grateful.”

Taste of the South was introduced in 2004 as a fundraiser for the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce. It was organized as the official project of the 2004 Leadership Atmore class, which Smith served as president.

Smith said this year’s event will also include live music. Smith said tickets are not yet available, but will soon be on sale for $10 at the chamber office, located inside the Atmore YMCA building on Pensacola Avenue, as well as at the gate on the night of the event.

This year’s event will take place Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Heritage Park on South Main Street.

For more information, or to register as a vendor, calls may be directed to the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce at (251) 368-3305.