Annual Taste of the Town gets cooking again on April 25

The annual Taste of the Town returns to the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown on April 25.

Doors open at 11 a.m. with participants serving up food samples until 3 p.m. The fundraiser is for the Victim's Assistance Center of Jefferson County. The festival-like atmosphere offers samples of the north country's finest in culinary delights, along with entertainment for all age groups.

So far, the seventh annual Taste of the Town has about 35 participants signed up, featuring food and beverages. Booths will be set up throughout the first floor of the Dulles State Office Building, featuring sample-size servings of hot and cold beverages, appetizers, entrees, gourmet deserts, chocolates, and more.

Entertainment will include the River Rat Rhythm Project steel drum band, Mark Mason, Howard Brinson and Tim Martuzas, and the In Motion School of Dance.

Children's activities will include magic shows and balloons by magician Michael Beyette, Face Painting, Mothers Day crafts with Karen Gibbs, and "Guitar Hero" provided by Best Buy.

The Oasis Wellness Spa will offer chair massages for a short relaxation break. Parents will be able to take advantage of local law enforcement booths promoting child safety.

A panel of celebrity judges will award participants for first and second place and best presentation. This year's panel consists of Mark Gaines from Stevens Media Group; John B. Johnson, advertising director of the Watertown Daily Times; Chris Onorato from WWNY TV Channel 7; Carole McCoy, president of Jefferson Community College; and super model Maggie Rizer.

There is a $2 admission charge. Sample tickets are $1 for one, $10 for 15 or $20 dollars for 35. The event is designated as a Yellow Ribbon event, offering admission and sample ticket discounts to the military personnel and their families (with military identification).

All proceeds from the event help the Victim's Assistance Center provide comprehensive services to all victims/survivors of violence and crime in Jefferson County. The event draws close to 1,500 people each year.

For more information, call the agency at 782-1823 or visit the Taste of the Town Web site at www.tastenny.org for an up-to-date listing of participants.

Major sponsors are National Grid, Samaritan Medical Center, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Best Buy, 7 News, Fox 28, WNER Radio 1410, 790 WTNY, Z93, Froggy 97, and the Watertown Daily Times.