FOLEY, Ala . — Next week citizens from around Baldwin County will be eating at 28 local restaurants — in one night. There’s no trophy involved and there isn’t any kind of award. The Optimist Club of Foley is hosting its 23rd Annual Taste of South Baldwin Event this Tuesday at the Foley Civic Center, with proceeds benefitting the youth projects in the area.

A record number of restaurants, including new businesses are participating in this year’s event. The restaurants will provide a tasting of their most popular dishes from their menus for the public to sample. All types of cuisine are represented from Asian to Mexican.

“Everyone can just eat and eat to their heart’s content,” Optimist Club President Margaret Avinger said. “It’s a great way for people to try out new restaurants or just places they haven’t been about to get to yet.”

In addition to the tasting, a silent auction will be held with prizes including, spa packages, golf games, a grill and a stay at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi.

Avinger hopes this year’s event will be as successful as last year’s, which was a sell out.

“We had some trouble the year Ivan hit, then Katrina the next year,” she said. “We did great last year and hope that we can repeat that this year.”

According to organizer and Optimist Club member Sonna Brown-Reynolds, tickets are selling well.

“I don’t know if it will be a sell out,” Brown-Reynolds said, “but, the members of the club who have been selling tickets are running out and asking for more, so that’s a great sign.”

The Foley Optimist group, a chapter of the International group, supports numerous groups in the area. They also service several schools including Magnolia School, Foley Elementary, Foley Intermediate, Middle and High School. Through their work with the booster clubs it also trickles down into the Summerdale schools.

“We deal with Boy Scouts of America, we provide scholarships, support the local health fair so children can get their basic immunizations,” Avinger said.

The group also sponsors both an essay and speech competition each year. The International division of the group provides students with a topic they must create their speech about, which is then presented by the student to the local group. The winner receives a savings bond and goes on to compete at the district level. Last year’s winners were Lexi Kafell and Joseph Mickels.

“We also hold a youth appreciation week, honor a law enforcement person of the year, and teacher of the year. All the money will go toward these programs.” Brown-Reynolds said.

While the event is family friendly, Brown-Reynolds recommends leaving the strollers at home.

“It’s a great night, lots of people come out and enjoy it, so it can be hard to maneuver a stroller through everyone,” she said.

The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Whitney Bank, RBC Bank or the City of Foley. Brown-Reynolds recommends buying early, as there is a limited number available for sale.

Taste of South Baldwin participating restaurants:

Cain’s/HurriCain Market

Chick & Sea

Cliff Stapleton Catering Cosmo’s Restaurant

Flipper’s at Bear Pointe Ivey’s Fine Dining

Lamberts Café Las Fuentes Mexican

Lenny’s Sub Shop Mediterranean Grill

Mellow Mushroom O’Charley’s

Okki Japanese Outback Steakhouse

Peng Garden Stacy’s Drug Store

Sweet Home Farm Sweet Peppers Deli

Sweetie Pies Vallatra Mexican

Wingfingers Wolf Bay Lodge

Wise Guyz Zaxby’s

Beverages provided by:

Budweiser/Busch Coca-cola