It’s time to clear your schedule and your palate for the Taste of Pike County.

The doors at the Pike County Cattleman Building will be open up for hungry, fun-seeking residents from 6 to 9 p.m. today, making this the 11th straight year the event will be held there.

“This is an event of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, sponsored this year by Verizon Wireless,” said Chamber President Jenniffer Barner.

Barner said that all 63 available spaces at the Cattleman Building will be filled by local financial institutions, health care organizations, government agencies, non-profits and of course food and beverage establishments.

Barner said that the expo is a great way for local businesses to interact with the public, and likewise for the public to get a feel for the different goods and services available to them.

“This has become an event where not only do you come out to be informed and have a sampling of local food, but you can take advantage of the networking opportunities and the friendly neighborly type visiting that we so often do not get anymore,” she said.

“Businesses gain more by doing an inexpensive event like this than they do any other form of advertising. Of course businesses should continue to advertise in their regular way, but word of mouth is the best form.”

Barner explained that since the Taste of Pike County happens only once a year, it’s critical for business owners to utilize traditional advertising strategies, but this event offers a unique way to interact with consumers.

“Having an opportunity to meet new customers and show them what you can do for them is invaluable,” Barner said.

“Hands-on type of advertising can be very profitable for businesses.”

The chance to sample some good food and discover other services in the community will not be the only perks afforded to attendees.

“Good door prizes will be given throughout the night,” Barner said. “They’re always great.”

The entry fee is $8.00 at the door or $5.00 for tickets bought in advance.

Tickets can be purchased at Troy Cable, The Messenger, Army Aviation Federal Credit Union, Troy Bank and Trust main branch, Troy Antiques, First National Bank in Brundidge and the Brundidge City Hall.

“We appreciate all the businesses that support Taste of Pike County,” Barner said.

“We hope that everyone sees the benefit in participating.”