ROBERTSDALE, Alabama --- Get ready to crank up your taste buds for a culinary experience like none other when the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosts its Ninth Annual Flavors of the South wine and food tasting event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale.

“We’re really excited to once again be hosting this event,” said Jamie Mangion, director of operations for the Chamber. “This event is a premier showcase for local wine, beverage and restaurant locations, their chefs and culinary personalities. This is an opportunity to get involved with a large community event that allows for consumer exposure and involvement with attendance of more than 400 people.”

Participation is open to all businesses in the Baldwin County area with no cost for vendor participation. Participants do not have to be Chamber members and are encouraged to join in the fun and decorate their table along with a summertime theme.

Baldwin EMC is the presenting sponsor for the event. Diamond sponsors are Cain’s Piggly Wiggly and Power Productions. Gold sponsors are Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., Century 21, SSM Real Estate, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Inc. and the Baldwin County Cattle and Fair Association; Silver sponsors are Gruenloh & Associates and Mack Funeral Home. Bronze sponsors are Franklin Primary Health Center and Riviera Utilities.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 12 and are available at the Chamber office. Tables of eight are also available at a cost of $200.

Entertainment this year will be provided by David Ellis.

A total of three beverage vendors and 16 food vendors have signed up so far for the event.

Beverage vendors include Budweiser-Busch, Cain’s Piggly Wiggly and Coca-Cola. Food venders are Fish River Grill, Greer’s, Ivey’s Fine Dining, Magnolia Blossom Café, Mama Lou’s, O’Charley’s, Sam’s Club, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, The Bake Shoppe Café, The Blake at Malbis, Goo Roo’s, Hickory House BBQ, LA BBQ & Catering, Vitolli’s Pizzeria, Burris Farm Market and The Sugar Kettle.

Silent auction items are donated from area businesses to assist the Chamber in bringing in operating funds. So far, Mangion said, items include gift certificates to local restaurants, gift baskets and a custom-made Alabama Crimson Tide 2011 National Championship throw.

“We’re still looking to get some big ticket items,” Mangion said. “Donating a silent auction item is a great way to draw recognition to your business.”

If you are interested in donating an item to the silent auction, call the Chamber at 251-947-2626 to have a donation form faxed or emailed to you.