By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Join the Pelham Library Guild for the second annual Taste of Pelham fundraising event on Oct. 7.

The event kicks off with a special luncheon at the Pelham Public Library from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., featuring guest speaker and best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews.

“She is very engaging and interesting,” Pelham Library Director Barbara Roberts said. “She’s a very popular author with a lot of the patrons that use the library. Her neighborhood library that she uses is very important to her and that’s why she agreed (to speak).”

Andrews will speak about her career, her most recent novel, “Save the Date”, and field questions while attendants dine on a meal catered by Birmingham-based Christian Catering Company. In order to ensure an intimate setting, the luncheon is limited to 50 guests.

“It’s going to be one of those things you really don’t want to miss because everyone is going to be talking about it,” Pelham Library Guild President Debbie Parrott said, noting attendants will be served by six “celebrity waiters,” including Pelham Mayor Gary Waters, ABC 33/40 meteorologist Meaghan Thomas and Pelham police officer and driving force behind Carly’s Law, Dustin Chandler.

The event will continue at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Twenty-five “restaurant and beverage providers from the Shelby County area” will provide samplings of everything from steak tips and rice to white chocolate bread pudding, Parrott explained.

The Pelham High School culinary arts class will showcase their skills at this year’s Taste of Pelham. PHS students will serve pastries that are “out of this world,” Parrott said.

“When people come to the Taste of Pelham, they can sample foods from any or all of the vendors (and) go back for seconds and even thirds,” Parrott said. “You can have a top-of-the-line, first-class meal from a variety of restaurants.”

Andrews will give a presentation and a jazz band will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. There will also be a dance floor for guests to “dance all those calories away,” Parrott said.

Tickets to the Taste of Pelham cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets to the luncheon with Andrews cost $50 and include admittance to the Taste of Pelham and a copy of Andrew’s novel “Save the Date.” Tickets are available for purchase at the Pelham Library, IBERIABANK in Pelham, online at Pelhamlibraryguild.com or from any Pelham Library Guild member.