Cornerstone Center for the Arts is collaborating with other Muncie businesses to raise funds during its 32nd annual "A Taste of Muncie" event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
General admission attendees will be able to browse 21 booths as well as vote on “The Best of Taste” competition while VIP attendees, who must be ages 21 and up, will also get a 45-minute food and beverage tasting from Vera Mae’s, Guardian Brewing Company and New Corner Brewery.
Jeff Robinson, the director of community relations for Cornerstone, said A Taste of Muncie is not only for business advertising, but also for them to give back to the community.
“All these restaurants understand exactly what they’re doing when they come to 'A Taste of Muncie,'” Robinson said. “They know they’re supporting the arts and the community. Culinary arts is an art in and of itself, and all of our vendors are community-minded.”
During “The Best of Taste” contest, attendees will have the chance to vote on winners for seven categories, including entrée, side dish, appetizer, soups and salads, desserts and beverages.
General admission tickets for the event cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door while VIP tickets cost $40 and are only available in advance.
The community crowned winners of “The Best of Taste” will win a ribbon and certificate, a mention in the press release immediately following the event and a featured spot in the marketing for next year.
“If you like to eat, it is a good event to bring family and kids to,” said Dave Franklin, the catering and banquets manager at Vera Mae’s. “You are not going to leave 'A Taste of Muncie' hungry.”
Robinson also added that there are accommodations for those with dietary restrictions, so the whole community can attend.
“I can all but guarantee you that if someone has any gluten sensitivities or any allergies or things like that, there will be food there for them to eat,” Robinson said. “They may not be able to eat everything, of course, but there will be food there for them to eat.”
Cornerstone Center for the Arts plans to use the money raised from ticket sales to fund the scholarships and financial aid offered to the community to cover Cornerstone classes.
“We [at Vera Mae’s] love the education programs,” Franklin said. “We love that they made this whole building something that people not from Muncie can come and be amazed by.”
Contact Alona Krantz with comments at amkrantz@bsu.edu or on Twitter @alonamaelyn.
The Daily News welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.