AMERICUS — The Taste of Sumter, a 30-year tradition in downtown Americus, moves from evening to a daytime event this Saturday.
The popular event by Americus Mainstreet, held this year at Cotton Avenue and Rylander Park, is presented by Magnolia Manor Senior Living. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., attendees can expect live entertainment and TV broadcasts of all major football games.
Admission is $5/adults and $3/students. Attendees can then pay for their food or beverage purchases at each vendor.
As of Tuesday, 11 vendors had committed to the event, and more were expected. Those who had committed are Café Campesino, Sweet Georgia Baking Co., Wolf Creek Plantation (samples), Speedy’s Eatery, Oishii Buffet, Two Dukes BBQ, 1800 Mexican Restaurant, Rosemary & Thyme, Floyd’s Pub, JJ’s Wings & Things, and 13th Colony Distillery (samples).
The entertainment will be by The Plucktones with smaller groups opening.The trolley will be running throughout downtown back and forth from the parking lots, mainly the old Harvey’s lot, transporting people down to Cotton Avenue. Entrances will be on Cotton Avenue. Attendees can enter from the Lamar Street entrance or the Forsyth Street entrance. All first responders get into the event for free. Volunteers will receive free entry into the event and a free t-shirt. Anyone interested in volunteering can find the link on the Downtown Americus-Main Street Facebook page. A selection of beer will be available for purchase at the Drink Tent, sponsored by Friends of Downtown Americus Inc.
Other event sponsors include SB&T, 13th Colony Distillery, Shiver Lumber Co., Georgia Power, Servepro, Citizens Bank of Americus, Finnicum Motor Co., Habitat for Humanity, and WDEC-WISK radio.
— Beth Alston