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Taste of the Town offers sampling of Gettysburg businesses


Locals can treat themselves to the finest products Gettysburg businesses have to offer at the 15th annual Taste of the Town on April 3.

The event, hosted by the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce, brings together local businesses, from bakeries to wineries, for tastings open to the public. The proceeds benefit programming that supports the local business community as well as the nonprofit Adams County Economic Education Foundation and the SCCAP Adams County Food Pantries.

“The whole purpose of the event is to showcase the wonderful talent and food that we have here locally,” said Jennifer McCleaf, the membership and events director of the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce.

The premier culinary showcase will feature more than 20 vendors, including Uncle Moe’s Soul Food, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium and Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery.

“We have folks coming from West Virginia, from Maryland, all within a two-hour driving radius to experience the culinary creations of Adams County,” said McCleaf.

One of the event’s biggest draws is a competition that pairs local celebrities and chefs. The participants will face off in a contest resembling the television show “Chopped” on the Food Network that will incorporate local ingredients into three dishes.

Emceed by Rob Simon from Gettysburg Rocks, the Top Local Celebrity Chef Competition will feature a panel of three judges as well as the winner of a guest judge raffle. Raffle participants who donate monetarily or bring canned goods will earn an extra ticket for the raffle.

The Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce recently announced the competing duos, paired randomly. Vicky Corbett, the United Way of Adams County executive director, will work with Juan Carlos Barbosa of Mamma Ventura Restaurant. Alex Hayes, the editor of the Gettysburg Times, will compete alongside Joseph Holmes, the executive chef of Gettysburg Hotel. Randy Phiel, Adams County commissioner, will be paired with Paul Karsteter of the Links at Gettysburg. And rounding out the competitors are Nina Redding, the district director of Penn State Extension, and Ray Tappendorf, the executive chef of the Inn at Herr Ridge.

Attendants will also be treated to live music from Jazz Me Band. McCleaf said Taste of the Town is the perfect event for locals to get out of the house after being cooped up all winter.

“You can’t go wrong with the 20-plus vendors and sampling their delicious treats,” she said.

If you go:
What: Gettysburg’s Taste of the Town
When: 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3
Where: Eisenhower Hotel & Conference Center in Gettysburg

Cost: $25 per ticket