Vendor spots are still open for the 10th annual Taste of the South, which comes to a boil Thursday, Sept. 19 at Heritage Park.

Organizer Sharon Smith said a few spots remain for the annual cookoff-style competition that helps raise money for the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s getting close,” Smith said. “There are four or five spots still available.”

There is no charge for vendors to participate. Vendors take part in the event by making a dish or dessert and serving up tasting portions to visitors, who pay $10 for five tasting tickets.

The chamber then splits the proceeds from the tickets, which are $2 each, with the vendors.

Visitors vote on a winning dish using their ticket stubs. Awards include best table design, best dessert and — for the first time this year — two “best taste” awards, Smith said. The second best taste award is for this year’s amateur competitors.
This year’s participants include: The chamber, Atmore Concerned Citizens, Atmore News, Women of Distinction, Acapulco, American Auxiliary Junior League, First National Bank and Trust, United Bank, David’s Catfish Pepsi and St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.

Entertainment will be provided by Abbie Akins and the Greater Escambia Council of the Arts.

As far as expected turnout, Smith said the group doesn’t pre-sell tickets, but in the past, as many as 400 to 600 people have taken part in the event.