Logan County rolls out the dishes for the chamber

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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Hungry patrons filled The Meeting Place during lunchtime for The fourth annual Taste of South Logan County on Thursday in Booneville.

The $6 per person all-you-can-eat spread raises money for Booneville Chamber of Commerce events throughout the year, said Trinity Damron, the new executive director of the Booneville Development Corporation/South Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

About 175 people attended the event this year — slightly shy of the 200 person goal. For those interested in attending a future "Taste," get there early! The event was scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. but some of the dishes, like a shrimp boil, were consumed before noon and the remaining food was well decimated by 1 p.m. when cleanup crews wrapped up the event.

Local restaurants El Penjamo, Simple Simons Pizza, A-1 Superstop, Cowgirl Cove and Lin Buffet contributed cuisine along with other businesses and community members who either made food or donated funds to support the event. Tiffany Square Flower & Gift Shop provided floral centerpieces displayed on the serving tables.

Some items on the menu: various salads, fresh fruit, fajitas, pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, ham, casserole, iced tea and lemonade and numerous desserts.

"It’s a nice variety. It’s quite enjoyable. It’s a better value than most restaurants," said Michael Maw, a graduate student who came in from the fields of Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center.

Volunteers from the Livestock 4-H Club, Beta Club and First Baptist Church Youth Group assisted with serving guests, replenishing food and cleanup duties.

Delia Turner, a committee member for the event, said last year’s "Taste" raised about $1,000.