Taste of Long Beach supports local businesses
Long Beach Breeze
Thursday, November 12, will bring with it the much-anticipated annual Taste of Long Beach. Each year, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, bringing together local restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries for an evening of food, drinks and community for the twenty-one-and-over crowd.
“Taste of Long Beach is the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce’s signature event and is a celebration of local food, drinks and businesses,” said Chamber Director Anna Claire Perronne. “Most importantly, proceeds from the event support our Small Business Grant Program.”
Last year, the event put $40,000 back into the Long Beach small business community through grants.
“We are committed to continuing that impact,” Perronne said.
More than sixty vendors typically take part, offering seafood, Southern favorites, appetizers, desserts, international cuisine, beer, wine and more.
“The variety is one of the things that makes Taste so much fun,” Perronne said.
The event also features a silent auction of items donated by local businesses, including restaurant gift cards, experiences, beauty and wellness services, hotel stays, entertainment and specialty packages. The auction is held online, so bidders do not have to attend to win.
“The auction continues to be one of the most popular parts of the event,” Perronne said.
The event draws guests from Long Beach, Pass Christian and the surrounding Mississippi Gulf Coast, and it has welcomed more than 1,000 guests in the past.
“It is a great opportunity for people to discover restaurants and businesses they may not have visited before while supporting our local small business community,” Perronne said.
Tickets are $50 per person and include admission and the opportunity to sample food and beverages from participating vendors. Guests must be twenty-one or older to attend. Tickets are available in advance, and guests are encouraged to purchase early, because the availability of day-of tickets will depend on capacity. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through the Chamber’s event registration page at www.mscoastchamber.com.
The event is rain or shine, and Perronne says there is no formal dress code.
“We recommend comfortable, casual-to-nice attire appropriate for an outdoor evening event,” Perronne said. “Come ready to eat, drink and have a great time!”
Sponsorships are still being accepted at several levels, and sponsors receive recognition throughout the event and in event marketing. Vendor participation is by invitation or application through the Chamber, and interested businesses can contact the Chamber directly for availability and participation information.
