By VICKI BROWN
While Walterboro may not be the gourmet capital of the world, it can certainly hold its own when great cooks and chefs from across the community come together to serve up their best.
In preparation for the Rice Festival, the annual Taste of Walterboro was held on Tuesday, April 26 at the Walterboro Wildlife Center.
There, participants sampled a vast array of delicacies.
A crowd of more than 300 people mingled with friends and tasted offerings by local caterers and restaurants. Organizer MaHallie Martin says she is very happy with the attendance.
“I think people were excited to come out post-Covid. They are tired of being indoors and isolated. So, they enjoyed coming out this evening. I am really happy with the turn out,” said Martin.
Rice Festival event organizer Bubba Trippe said he is also satisfied with event.
“We were worried about the promise of rain. A huge wind came up and we decided to move the event indoors. But it blew over us, and we actually had no rain; it would have been good to be outside,” said Trippe. “Even though it was a little crowded indoors, the weather turned beautiful and everyone was able to move outside to enjoy their food. We had great attendance.”
Participants also had rave reviews about The Taste of Walterboro, which has long served as the official kick-off event for the annual Rice Festival.
“The food is so good. I have enjoyed everything so far,” said Audrey Ruth, who attended with friends Shangria Frazier and Genyka Boyd. “The atmosphere is wonderful,” said Frazier. “It is the perfect day for this. The weather is so nice! It has been a great evening.”
Local musician Jason Cook provided entertainment, singing crowd favorites.
Sponsors for the event were:
Gourmet Sponsorship:
Donald Holmes, American Forest Management, Coastal Carolina Surgical Specialists, Lester Jordan State Farm Insurance, Walterboro Motor Sales, Lowcountry Pest Control, Walterboro OB/GYN, J.H.Hiers Construction, Colleton Family Medicine, Sparkles Event Décor & Design, and Louie’s Liquors.
Executive Chef Sponsorship:
P. Spencer Witkin, D.M.D., Edisto Orthopedics & sports Medicine, Lucas Electric Company, Bank of Walterboro, and SCV Oil.
The Epicurean Sponsorship:
Palmetto Rural Telephone, Enterprise Bank, Walterboro Rental & Equipment, and Colleton Medical Center.
