promises to top last year

By AMY LANSDON

News Editor

Feb. 28, 2001 10 PM

The second annual Pike County Chamber of Commerce "Taste of Pike County" and Business Expo is rapidly approaching and the Chamber is encouraging people to hurry up and secure their tickets to the spectacular event.

"More than 85 businesses and restaurants have signed up," said Jenniffer Barner, community development director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce about the March 8 event. "The response has been extraordinary and we are excited about this event."

In addition to the variety of businesses and restaurants, entertainment will be provided by the Charles Henderson High Jazz Band and Johnny Barron.

"We are tremendously encouraged by the outstanding support we have had this year from our local business community," Barner said. "So far, we have about 20 more vendors signed up than we did last year. Tickets are going to go fast."

The "Taste of Pike County" and Business Expo is open to both Pike County Chamber of Commerce members and non-members. The booth fee for members is $30 and for non-members $50, with the exception of restaurants. There will be no booth fee for restaurants.

"The ‘Taste of Pike County’ and Business Expo is an easy and inexpensive way for businesses to advertise," said Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. "Business and restaurant owners will be surprised by the deals that can be made right here at home. The Expo will also be a fun evening of entertainment, great food and beverages as local restaurants present samples of their most popular menu items."

The "Taste of Pike County" and Business Expo will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the old Wal-Mart in Troy Marketplace and tickets are only $5 and are available through the Chamber office and at other locations in the community. On the night of the event, ticket prices increase to $8.

"It really pays to get your ticket early," Barner said. "Plenty of food will be available from many terrific restaurants at no additional charge, so it’s inexpensive, quality, family fun."

In addition to food, other treats will include door prize, children’s activities including face painting and balloon animals and lots of socializing and networking with business people, community leaders and friends.

"Time is running out for business and restaurant owners to sign up for a booth," Barner said. "We think local businesses and restaurants will really benefit from the ‘Taste of Pike County Food and Business Expo.’ We also encourage the public to attend the Expo and see what all Pike County has to offer."

Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, WTBF, from Chamber of Commerce board members, at Troy State University in Adams Administration Building Rooms 254, 256 and 214, Region Banks Downtown Branch and University Branch, Specialty Batteries on S. Brundidge Street, Troy Bank and Trust Main Branch, Army Aviation Federal Credit Union in the Southland Shopping Center, Pike Pioneer Museum, First National Bank of Brundidge, Rue’s Antiques on Main Street in Brundidge, Steed Tire Service on Main Street in Brundidge and Troy City Hall.

For more information about the Expo call the chamber at 566-2294.