Eatonton’s most flavorful evening will return next month when Taste of Eatonton, hosted by the Eatonton- Putnam Chamber of Commerce, takes over the grounds outside The Plaza Arts Center.
This annual event brings together local restaurants, food trucks, and specialty vendors for an evening that’s equal parts tasting session and community celebration.
“This is an annual event that we have to showcase restaurants,” Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce President Robbie King said. “It gives you an opportunity to experience several different restaurants all in one night.”
For $20, attendees receive 15 tickets, each valued at one dollar, which can be exchanged for food samples. Vendors are required to price their offerings between one and five tickets, with most portions sized just right for tasting.
“You’re not going to get a full steak dinner there,” King said, laughing. “The idea is to try small bites so you can taste different offerings from several different restaurants.”
Taste of Eatonton typically features about 10 food vendors, with additional booths offering everything from local honey and produce to arts and crafts. Past years have included photo booths, silent auctions, and family-friendly activities. Local cover band Gridlocked will perform again this year, adding a live soundtrack of familiar pop and rock songs.
While the vendor list is yet to be finalized, King confirmed that staples like Sips 31024 and the Putnam High School culinary program will participate. Other favorites, such as the Tipsy Turtle, are expected to join as well. The Chamber is accepting vendor applications until Sept. 26, King said, though he admits there could be some flexibility for latecomers.
“We want to work with everyone right up ‘til the end,” King said. “We just want to make sure we have the infrastructure logistics covered.”
For first-time attendees, King recommends his strategy.
“Just get parked, walk up to The Plaza, and first survey everything,” he advised. “Kind of get your plan laid out. You don’t want to spend all your tickets at the first booth you see and then realize later, ‘Oh, I wish I had tried that.’”
The event also offers a VIP option, which includes access to additional food offerings, a bar, and the convenience of indoor seating and restrooms.
“Just a little added experience for those who want it,” King said.
Though held on Saturday nights the last couple of years, Taste of Eatonton organizers found that competing with college football and busy restaurant schedules created challenges. Moving the event to Monday solves both problems, King said.
“Monday night is good for restaurants because several are closed that night, anyway,” King said. “So, they don’t have to give up their busiest night of the week, and it gives people in the community something fun to do on a Monday.”
Taste of Eatonton typically draws between 400 and 800 attendees, primarily based on the weather. King emphasizes, too, that it’s an all-ages event.
“It’s a family experience,” he said. “Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring whoever you like. It’s all family-friendly, nothing going on out there that everyone can’t enjoy.”
From food trucks to fine dining, live music to local crafts, the Taste of Eatonton has become an annual, signature community tradition.
“It’s just a fun environment,” King said. “You’ll enjoy good food, probably get to see a lot of people you know, and then get to meet other people that you don’t.”
Taste of Eatonton will be held Monday, Oct. 6, 5-8 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center on North Madison Avenue, near downtown Eatonton. Food tickets will be available for purchase at the entry, with beer and wine sales available, too.