Crowd gathers for Taste of the Ozarks

information and photos provided by the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce

More than 500 attended the 2009 Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of the Ozarks and Business Showcase held on Thursday (April 23) at the Franklin County Fair Building, according to Ozark Chamber Director Susan McIlroy.

Around 40 provided food, beverages and information for those who attended. Guests were treated to foods from a variety of vendors such as Butterball, Deer Camp BBQ, Frito Lay and Coca-Cola.

They also had the opportunity to stop by civic organizations to obtain information such as Franklin County Right Choices, The Crisis Center and educational facilities such as ATU-Ozark and Cass Job Corp. Several local banks were present including Allied, Priority, Simmons First and Bank of the Ozarks.

Other food vendors, organizations and retail businesses were represented and enjoyed interacting with the attendees and giving door prizes, McIlroy said. Wiederkehrs and Post Familie Wineries were present and gave samples of their wines and juices. CV’s Family Foods Meat Department was chosen as the People’s Choice Awards Winner. Tommy Coulter of CV’s Family Foods in Ozark served as event chairman.

Other booths included: DHS, Arkansas Western Gas, University of Arkansas Extension Service (UA extension agent Susan Holman provided three food and cooking shows) Village Pharmacy, Hug Chevrolet, Kraft, Wonderbread/Hostess, Tony’s Pizza, Edward Jones Investments, Ozark Outdoor Advertising, Ozark Ford, CV’s Bakery, Deli, Meat Department and Produce Department, Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Information Center.

“A great time was enjoyed by all and we look forward to another great ‘Taste’ in 2010,” McIlroy said.