ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — If your taste buds are craving some good Southern recipes and you would like a chance to bid on a weekend getaway or football game, then the 8th annual “Flavors of the South” fundraiser in Robertsdale is the place to be on Thursday, July 22.

Put on by the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and held this year in the gym at St. Patrick School from 5:30 to 8 p.m., this event is sure to please residents of all ages.

According to Jamie Mangion, director of operations for the Chamber, tickets are $25 each for adults or $10 for children 5-12 and are available at the Chamber office, online at the Chamber web site or at the door the day of the event.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we always have a great turnout to support us. Last year, we had around 400 people and we expect just as many this year,” Mangion said. In previous years, “Flavors” had been held at the Baldwin County Coliseum, but because of the oil spill crisis, it was moved to St. Patrick’s.

“The National Guard needed the Coliseum for the duration of the oil spill and we didn’t know how long that would be so we just relocated. The St. Patrick’s gym isn’t as big and we don’t have seating available but we will have bistro tables set up so people can stand and socialize while they are eating,” Mangion commented. Despite the smaller space, Mangion feels the event will be just as successful as it has been in the past.

There will be around 25 food vendors from all over the county and five wine vendors handing out samples of their finest dishes and spirits. Everything from barbecue to Italian to Southern homestyle offerings will be available and those with a sweet tooth will be in heaven with all the desserts from local bakeries.

Among the list of vendors participating are: Cain’s Piggly’s Hurricane Market, Magnolia Blossom Cafe, Hickory House BBQ, Winn-Dixie, The Blake at Malbis, Fitzpen Place, Bruno’s Supermarket, Coca-Cola, Mama Lou’s, Sandra’s Place, Ivey’s Fine Dining Katy’s Catering, Papa’s Place, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, The Bake Shoppe Cafe, Budweiser-Busch, Buffalo Rock, Olive Garden, Sam’s Club and Greer’s.

In addition to food, Kay Arnette, charwoman for “Flavors,” said there will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to entice guests. A variety of different auction items from horseback riding to sports and vacation packages as well as children’s party supplies and home decor items will be up for grabs. Tickets for the raffle will be on sale six for $5 or an arm’s length for $20.

“Bidding begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. We already have many items but could always use more and are still accepting donations from anyone who wants to contribute,” Arnette said. Those who wish to donate may drop off their items at the Chamber office.

Les Linton of Gulf Shores will be providing entertainment for the evening by playing a variety of popular music sure to please any taste. Originally from Oxford, Miss., Linton has performed throughout the Southeastern U.S. for more than 25 years with several bands like Frontrunner, Mister X, Coast to Coast, The Mobeats and The Levy Band with the Hurricane Horns. He has also shared the stage with Jimmy Hall, Wet Willie, Eddie Money, The Romantics and The Original Coasters.

These days, Linton does solo gigs as well as performing with The Soul Food Junkies and Full Circle with The Hurricane Horns. For more info, contact Les at (251) 234-0963 or morelesmusic@yahoo.com.

This year’s event is shaping up to be quite a production and Arnette and her committee of Mary de Launey, Kay Gartman, Sylvia Mattingly, Andrea Allen, Cindy Brown, Shirley Carpenter, Delores Sturma and Jennifer Cook are working really hard to make it as successful as they can.

For more information about “Flavors”, contact the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at 947-2626.