“Paying it Forward” at TASTE OF TOCCOA

The 26^th annual “A Taste of Toccoa” will be on April 28 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  in Historic Downtown. This year one of the downtown businesses will be partnering with a local non-profit to help the hungry in Toccoa. The local bakery, Victoria’s Sweet Treats, will partner with the First Presbyterian Church of Toccoa and the Toccoa Food Bank, and collect non-perishable food. The following items will be accepted:

peanut butter
jams or jelly (glass jars accepted)
canned meats or salmon
canned or Ramen soups
canned vegetables
canned fruits
canned pasta
hot and cold cereal
rice
dry beans
macaroni & cheese
baby food & cereal (glass jars accepted)

The items can be deposited at the booth which will be located next to Victoria’s Sweet Treats on Doyle St.

The Taste of Toccoa is an annual event at which local restaurants and caterers can show off their specialty menu items in smaller portions. This way everyone can have a “little of something” or go back and enjoy another portion of their favorite.

Teens and children can enjoy many other activities.  Entertainment will include the following: Heroes in Force, stilt walker Carrie McQueen, Home Depot children’s workshop, sand art, inflatables, mechanical rides, and face painting. The International Hmong Dance Group will perform at 5:00 – 6:00, the  Rhythm Academy from 6:00 – 7:00, Country singer Will Thompson will perform at 7:00 -  7:30 and The Dance Studio will be on from 7:30 – 8:00.

Those who enjoy shopping will want to explore the specialty, art, clothing, and antique shops downtown.

Each year eight awards are given to the participating restaurants in several different categories; Most Authentic Representation of Business, the Extra Mile Award, the Taste Award for Desserts, the Taste Award for a Menu Item, and the top three restaurants for the Most Tokens Collected. Again this year there will be the People’s Choice Award.  Festival attendees can vote for their favorite restaurant and for their favorite menu item. The voting will take place at the WNEG Radio tent.  Ballots will be available for everyone to vote.

For the safety of the public, Doyle Street from Alexander Street to Sage Street will be closed from 12:00 noon until 9:00 p.m. At 2:00, Doyle Street, from Sage Street to North Hill Street will be closed until 9:00 p.m.