Fried green tomatoes and snow cones are just a small part of the Taste of the South event planned for Sept. 18 at Heritage Park from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Sharon Smith, coordinator of the event, said 10 vendors have already committed to participate in the seventh annual event.

“We are excited about the event and have vendors already committed to participate,” Smith said. “We still have room for others who may want to set up for the event.”

Smith said vendors already signed up include Winn Dixie, Michelle’s Café and Baking Co., St. Roberts Catholic Church, Wagon Wheel Barbecue, Women of Distinction, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Atmore, Dale Bennett, the Atmore Area YMCA, the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and the Concern Citizens of Atmore.

“There will be a wide variety of foods and drinks offered at the event,” Smith said. “Some of the vendors will be showcasing some of their most popular menu items at the event. We have seen vendors offer a whole new item during the Taste event and if it was received well they added it to their menu. So it’s a great opportunity for restaurants to introduce new items to the public or to give those who haven’t visited their restaurant a try of what they have to offer.”

Patrons who attend the event can purchase ticket booklets that will allow them to taste a variety of offerings as well as vote for their favorite vendor.

“Ticket books are sold for $10 each and have tickets that can be used at up to five vendors’ booths,” Smith said. “The top or stub portion of each ticket will act as a vote for the awards presented at the end of the event. Patrons will use the stubs to vote for their favorite in two contests that will be going on during the event. The vendor with the most votes or stubs will be presented with the award.”

Awards for the event include Best Taste of the South, Best Dessert and Best Decorated Booth.

“It’s a people’s choice award in two of the categories,” Smith said. “We usually get an anonymous person from the crowd to help with judging of the best decorated booth contest. It’s a lot of fun and it’s great to see who ends up with the awards.”

The event is a continuation of a project of Leadership Atmore’s Class of 2004. Smith said the class continues the project each year as a fundraiser to help the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

“Our class has changed some since we started this event,” Smith said. ���Some of the Class of 2004 has moved away. With fewer people in the class we have invited alumni of other Leadership classes to join us in making this event a success.”

Smith said it takes a lot of work to make the event happen with plenty of planning being done far in advance of event day.

“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes in making this a success,” Smith said. “Without the help of all of the alumni members it would be impossible to continue the event.”

Entertainment will also be provided for the event as well, Smith said.

“We have Deep South performing from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.,” Smith said. “Abby Akins will be performing beginning at 8 p.m. The entertainment will certainly make this a complete evening of fun.”

Anyone interested in participating in the event as a vendor or to learn more information about tickets can contact the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce at 368-3305.