By By Adam Prestridge
David's Catfish brought back memories Saturday evening during the third annual Taste of the South held at Heritage Park.
The renewal of the famous Party Burger hit home with area residents who have longed for the tiny, tasty burgers since the closing of the Ponderosa Drive-In, a teenage hot spot that offered 19-cent hamburgers, in 1993. Not only did the Party Burgers strike up memories, but also hit the spot as David's Catfish House took home the title of Best Taste of the South for the second consecutive year in the Leadership Atmore Class of 2004 sponsored event.
"Unfortunately there can only be one winner in the Best Taste although all the vendors deserved it," Class President Sharon Smith said. "I'm proud that David's won the award, but all the vendors really deserved it for being out there and supporting the Chamber."
Despite hot, humid August conditions, 530 people were served during the food competition. Smith said that kind of support is what made the event such a success.
"It was a huge success," she said. "We get bigger and bigger every year. I think community support and all the support of the vendors being there helped the event to be successful this year."
Fortunately the Taste of the South not only offered great food, but also offered ice-cold refreshments to help keep those on hand cool as they sampled a variety of foods.
"Even in the hottest of temperatures our community still came out to participate and support this wonderful event," Smith said. "The people of Atmore helped to make this our best Taste of South thus far."
For the second year, the Leadership Class of 2004 also awarded the Best Dessert and Best Decorated Booth awards. For the second year in a row, the Betty Boop's Scoops booth, sponsored by the Atmore Women's Club, took home top honors in dessert category. First National Bank &Trust claimed first prize in the Best Decorated Booth category.
Those on hand also enjoyed entertainment from area residents including Lana Langford, Reed and Randy Adams, Chuck Stevens and the Diamondback Band.
With its continued success, Smith said she is hoping for an even bigger turnout next year.
"We're going to definitely have it next year," she said. "Hopefully it will be even bigger than this year."
Smith said she would like to thank the following individuals, businesses and organizations for supporting the Taste of the South: