Multiple morsels of food add up to pleased taste buds and additional financial support for schools –– at least they do at the upcoming Taste of Shelby County event.

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation will host the second–annual Taste of Shelby County Sept. 17 from 6:30–9 p.m. The event will take place near Back Nine at the Village at Lee Branch.

“It’s so much fun,” Trammell said. “We literally had no extra room last year and hope it will be the same this year.”

More than 20 vendors will be sampling their specialties to ticket holders. Tickets are $35, which includes a complimentary wine glass.

The event provides much needed funds every year to the Greater Shelby Education Foundation.

“We try to provide things the schools and teachers need above and beyond what’s traditionally funded,” Trammell said. “This can mean software or materials for unique programs.”

The foundation has already provided more than $300,000 in grants to teachers in less than a decade. Trammell said with so many events and organizations vying for the community’s support, the chamber had to come up with something different.

“We were looking for something unique we could do for the foundation and to promote local businesses at the same time,” Trammell said. “Everybody likes to eat, so this appeals to a wide variety of people.”

The sampling of foods is sure to please various palates as well. Joe’s Italian of Alabaster plans to serve up plates of lobster ravioli and Mama’s famous strawberry cake, while Texas Roadhouse in Pelham plans to bring racks of ribs and the city of Pelham’s cater Lynn Roberson plans to offer roasted salmon and sun–dried tomato tortellini.

Other restaurants expected to be in attendance include: Cates House of Alabaster, Morgan Creek Winery, Firebirds, Mellow Mushroom in Inverness, Honeybaked Ham, Jim N’ Nicks, McAlisters, Panera, Baumhower Wings, The Melting Pot, Mt Fuji, Taziki’s and Vizzini Winery.

Tickets may be purchased at the chamber office or by calling 663-4542.