It’s all you can eat, and you only have to pay once–the 11th Annual Taste of Bexley is accommodating for food lovers and students alike.
Students will only have to pay $15 for admission to one of the biggest food festivals in the city.
The event is organized by the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce, which is a nonprofit organization that helps sustain local businesses through networking opportunities and resources for economic growth.
The Chamber holds quarterly meetings where Bexley business owners are able to stay up-to-date on the current tidings of the business world.
For instance, Kristin Boggs, state representative for the 18th district of Ohio, has come to a few of these meetings to talk about notable legislation in regard to the business world.
Being a nonprofit organization, the Chamber relies on events such as the Taste of Bexley to help stay afloat.
It can easily be seen as a symbiotic relationship. The Chamber of Commerce raises funds through admissions, while local businesses have a chance to promote themselves to citizens.
Admission gives you access to over 32 different food vendors.
Some of the vendors include Newfangled Kitchen, Bexley Pizza Plus, Zen Cha Cafe, and Just Naturally Yummy Bakery, which won an award for best dessert at last year’s Taste of Bexley.
Each year, trophies are given out to vendors with the best food. There’s bronze spoon, silver spoon, and gold spoon, along with a People’s Choice Award.
This year the event is centering around an “island oasis” theme. Vendors have been encouraged to offer at least one food item that sports tropical flavors. Of course, it’s not mandatory.
There will also be a raffle where the winner gets a fully stocked cart of Johnson’s Ice Cream for their next private event.
Raffle tickets are $1 each, but you can also exchange non-perishable food items for tickets too.
In terms of live entertainment, Dr. Lava and the Freaky Tiki Vintage Vault will be providing music. Dr. Lava is the alter-ego of Ben Heckman, who is the director of the Bexley Public Library.
Students who are 21 or older can gain access to the “suds shack,” which will offer an array of beer and wine. The first glass you buy is $5 and refills are $4.
This will all take place on a Monday, which is how this event has been done years prior.
“The reason we hold it on a Monday is because many restaurants are closed on Mondays,” Executive Director of the Chamber Elaine Pelz said. “They don’t have to have a double shift. It’s easier for them to do their cooking and prep and have people available to do this.”
As stated earlier, Capital students will only have to pay $15 for admission when showing their student ID.
Normal adult tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
Advanced ticket purchases can be made at Bexley Pizza Plus, Bexley Natural Market, the Drexel Theatre, and the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce’s office.
“We estimate about 500 people in attendance,” Pelz said.
The 11th annual Taste of Bexley will go from 6–8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at St. Charles Preparatory School.
Tickets are available on the Chamber of Commerce’s website.
