“A Taste of Toccoa” Set for Today

“A Taste of Toccoa” returns later today for its 26th year.

This year’s “Taste” will again happen in downtown Toccoa and will run from 5 p.m. today to 8 p.m. tonight, rain or shine.

“Taste” is an annual event at which local restaurants and caterers can show off their specialty menu items in smaller portions.

Main Street Toccoa Events Coordinator Sharon Crosby said they are looking forward to a great event.

“We will have a number of restaurants and caterers there and we will have plenty for everyone to eat, so we are hoping that people will be able to come and sample a number of different restaurants and caterers while they are down there and we have a lot of entertainment this year,” said Crosby. “We are excited that we have been able to get plenty of activities for the children.”

At “Taste,” everything at the booths is purchased with tokens that can be bought at the event from one of four different token booths.

Tokens are also being presold at First Citizens Bank, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Oconee Federal Savings and Loan, and Troup’s Studio.

Also this year, awards will be handed out to “Taste” participants in a number of categories.

Crosby said that includes the People’s Choice Award, voted on by attendees.

“At the WNEG tent, festival attendees can vote for their favorite food item of that night,” said Crosby. “We are hoping that a lot of people will come out and they will vote and be able to give an award to their favorite restaurant.”

Meanwhile, something new this year at “Taste” will look to “pay it forward.”

Crosby said that one booth will team up to help collect non-perishable food for the local food bank.

“One of our downtown businesses, Victoria’s Sweet Treats, is going to be partnering together with the First Presbyterian Church and the local food bank and they are going to be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the evening,” said Crosby. “We are really encouraging people to come and help support our local food bank to help some of the hungry here in Toccoa.”

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the booth, which will be on Doyle Street next to Victoria’s Sweet Treats.

Main Street did say that streets will be closing this afternoon for “Taste.”

For the safety of the public, Doyle Street from Alexander Street to Sage Street will be closed from noon to 9 p.m.

Then at 2 p.m., Doyle Street from Sage Street to North Hill Street will be closed until 9 p.m.