Published: October 10, 2008 09:47 am      

Event offers good food and a good time, all for a very good cause

Get ready to explore your senses and spend an evening with family and friends, sampling local restaurants’ favorite cuisines. It’s time for the third annual Taste of McAlester at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.

CASA of Southeast Oklahoma will host the event on Tuesday evening. Doors open at 6, with tasting from 6:30 until 8. Tables will be set for guests to sit and mingle as they listen to the music provided by Meagan Waters, and enjoy great food and beverages.

Ten area restaurants and five specialty shops plan to be at the Expo Center to provide guests with a “taste” of what their business has to offer.

Tickets are on sale now through the CASA office for $25 each. Call 426-5779 to reserve your tickets. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets may also be purchased by credit card at the online auction Web site: www.casaseok.cmarket.com

Businesses participating this year include: 1896 Sports & Jazz Bar, Brangus Feedlot, Chef Billy’s, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Gold Buckle Café, Harbor Mountain Coffee Shop, Patron Mexican Grill, Pete’s Place, Sailing Horse Winery, Schwan’s, Side Saddle Catering, Speed Trap BBQ, Westside Steakhouse, What About Bob’s, and Whispering Meadows Winery.

New this year is Schwan’s Home Services as a vendor. Schwan’s will have a truck with more than 300 fine gourmet foods available for purchase at the Taste of McAlester. A percentage of the proceeds will go to supporting CASA. Individuals can pre-order their items by calling the CASA office by Monday.

So stimulate your senses and attend this worthy fundraiser. There’s something for everyone . . . from hors d’oeuvres to desserts, silent auction items to games, and much more. This event is CASA of Southeast Oklahoma’s big fundraiser helping to raise the necessary funds to recruit, train, and retain the volunteer advocates who speak up for abused and neglected children in court.