Taste of Jefferson County returns

United Way event scheduled for Oct. 11 at St. Florian Event Center

What patron hasn't visited a restaurant, viewed the amazing-looking menu items and couldn't decide on what to order? Who hasn't walked into a bakery or strolled up to a food truck and wished they could sample half of the items listed?

For those who would love to see -- and taste some of the dishes local businesses pride themselves in, that opportunity is quickly approaching.

The Taste of Jefferson County will be making its return to when it originally began -- at the beginning of autumn. The event will celebrate its 27th year when doors open at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11. The three-hour food-tasting event will once again be held inside the St. Florian Event Center, located at 286 Luray Drive in Wintersville. This year's theme is entitled "Falling into Autumn."

This event features culinary business owners interested in showcasing their popular creations and proving to potential customers just what sets them apart from the rest.

Not only will guests have the chance to sample various types of flavor profiles, but they will discover what dishes local businesses have to offer.

In addition, those attending the event will be greatly assisting one familiar nonprofit agency.

Officials from the United Way of Jefferson County consider Taste of Jefferson County to be one of its foremost fundraising activities. The organization, which assists neighbors, friends and family during times of struggle and need, financially depends on this event. In order to continue providing assistance to those throughout the community, fundraisers are held throughout the year, with this event leading in money raised.

Laura Rauch, executive director of the United Way, explained this particular fundraiser generates money that ultimately supports its 13 member agencies. These agencies continuously help those in need through their diverse services, ranging from abuse support, homelessness, assisting seniors and food assistance, to youth services, disaster relief and mental health issues.

All of these agency programs are located within Jefferson County and include: A Caring Place, Child Advocacy Center; A Child's Place CASA; ALIVE; Jefferson County Community Action Council; Smithfield Friends Food Pantry; St. Joseph Church W.E.B.A. Food Pantry; Toronto Services Committee; American Red Cross, Lake to River Chapter; Family Recovery Center; Ohio Valley Youth Network, Sycamore Center; Mary Seat of Wisdom Montessori School; Family and Community Services, RSVP; and Ohio Valley Health Center.

"We strongly believe in our mission to support our 13 local agencies who help so many in need across Jefferson County," Rauch said. "In addition to our mission, we are in awe of the services that our agencies provide. Their work in the community is truly inspiring."

While the Taste of Jefferson County has been an intricate part of the Ohio Valley for nearly three decades, it did have to take a hiatus during 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. It made its return April 6, 2022, following the two-year absence, with a turnout of supporters that surprised even organizers.

Approximately 200 residents attended the 2022 event, Rauch noted.

And she is hoping for another successful evening later this month.

"We are thrilled to host the 2023 Taste of Jefferson County," she stated. "This is our 27th year and we are looking forward to seeing friends, current and new, at this wonderful event."

"I can promise you that attendees will not leave hungry," she said. "We will have a cash bar as well and drawing prizes for attendees who want to take a chance on winning."

Those taking part in the Taste of Jefferson County will have the opportunity to enjoy a night of sampling some of the area's favorite food offerings. Participants will include local restaurants, caterers, bakeries and food trucks.

This year's line-up includes A Touch of Elegance, Downtown Bakery, Ohio Valley Sno, the Laurel's of Steubenville, Undo's catering, Pastaio in Wintersville, the Rusty Bull, Scaffidi's, 740 BBQ, Cake Roll Creations, Hidden Acres Weddings & Events in Mingo Junction and the Chef's Table.

Spaces are still available for those interested in participating as a vendor, Rauch noted.

"We would love to have more vendors take part in the Oct. 11 event," she commented. "We are still in search of vendors to participate in the Taste of Jefferson County. This is a great opportunity to advertise your eatery, all while supporting the United Way."

"Everyone has a great time and after Taste of Jefferson County, attendees know more about these establishments," Rauch continued.

"I know that, personally speaking, my family and I frequent local restaurants, bakeries and use local caterers," she added. "As a matter of fact, we are in the process of planning my son's high school graduation party. All of our needs will be provided by caterers and bakeries who participate in the Taste of Jefferson County. I am just so grateful for their participation and support."

In addition to tasting desserts, appetizers, side dishes and entree samples, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a number of special drawings scheduled to be held throughout the early evening.

Gift card trees and drawing baskets are prizes to be won through the purchase of tickets that will be on sale.

Officials from Discovery Jewelers will once again donate jewelry to this special fundraising event as one of the event's special prizes.

Rauch commented she is very appreciative of those companies who have donated items to be used in the event's drawings.

She added United Way officials are still accepting donations of items that can be used for the drawings if any businesses are willing to contribute to the fundraiser.

Following an affair, which promises to include a casual, conversational environment where guests can sit, relax and enjoy their time with food, friends and winning prizes, the end of the evening features announcing the patron-voted winners.

Guests will be able to vote on what vendor they believe had the evening's "Best Entree," "Best Dessert" and "Best Booth Display." This tradition is something vendors enjoy winning, as it is quite a compliment to be selected among the best in the area.

While Taste of Jefferson County is celebrating its 27th year, as previously stated, there was a two-year absence because of the pandemic.

Upon its return in the spring of 2022, and with a fitting theme entitled "Welcome Back to the Taste of the County," Rauch hosted the event for the first time in her capacity of executive director.

She recalls looking forward to seeing the many supporters and vendors turn out in order to support the community.

She remembers enjoying the evening particularly because this is a way for a business to receive publicity.

And she is looking forward to her second hosting of the Taste of Jefferson County.

"Because that is what this is really all about," Rauch said. "For the community to come together and support the United Way and for the vendors to come out and promote their business."

"Our events and campaigns would not be possible without our annual sponsors, donors, those who attend our events, donate items for our events, our staff, our volunteers and many more of our friends," she concluded.

"We have an extremely strong, supportive board of directors. Any time I call upon them, it is a matter of a short period before I receive the current support we need.

"Their intentions are clear, and that is to support the mission of the United Way of Jefferson County," Rauch added.

"Many of our board members serve on multiple boards and committees across Jefferson County and we are truly grateful for all of them."

Taste of Jefferson County was first established by the United Way in 1995 under the leadership and guidance of Jim Morgan and Sue Hershey.

Along with this year's theme "Falling into Autumn," past themes have included 'A Local Affair," "Around the World," "Under the Sea," "A Night at the Carnival" and "Oktoberfest."

Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online by visiting the website https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/UWTasteofJeffersonCounty or by calling the United Way at (740) 284-9000.

The United Way office, located at 511 N. Fourth St., will have tickets available and organizers will be selling tickets at the door the evening of the event.

A listing of the United Way of Jefferson County board of directors includes: Ted Gorman, president; Tom Timmons, vice president; Gary Stubbs, treasurer; Ginny Zoric, secretary; Anthony Mougianis, past president; Nora Boyles, Carlo Capaldi, Michael Emmerling, Jenn Ferris, Ed Florak, Tiffany Luckino, Laurel McDowell, James Morgan, Brian Moss, Mary Beth Panepucci, Lorie Sullivan, Gene Zrinyi, Laura Rauch, executive director and Tami Cashioli, finance director.