A HUGE Success!
Our third annual Taste Around the Lake event was truly unforgettable! The evening brought together food lovers, friends, and community supporters for an incredible experience featuring fine dining, expertly paired wines, and meaningful connections that make our lakeside community so special.
Culinary Stars of the Evening
We extend our deepest gratitude to the talented chefs and dedicated staff who made the culinary experience extraordinary:
- State Line Grazing – Delivering exceptional flavors with their signature style
- Hardware Cafe – Bringing their beloved local favorites to the event
- Mama Roos Italian Kitchen – Sharing authentic Italian cuisine and warmth
- ETC Catering – Providing professional catering excellence
- Blue Jay Bistro – Contributing their culinary artistry
- Jenny Cakes at the Lake – Sweetening the evening with delectable desserts
- Lake Gaston Coffee – Keeping spirits energized with perfect brews
Special Recognition
Debbie Marlow deserves special appreciation for her expert wine pairings that elevated every dish and created perfect harmony throughout the meal.
Ruby Prescott from Blue Sands filled the evening with beautiful music that set the perfect ambiance for dining and conversation.
The Chaos Coordinator worked behind the scenes to create stunning decor and captured precious memories through photography.
Local Petal House transformed the venue with gorgeous floral arrangements that added natural beauty to every corner.
Our Volunteer Heroes
The heart of this event was powered by incredible volunteers who gave their time and energy:
- Friends from the Library – Supporting community connection
- Jay Conner – Contributing essential volunteer support
- Betty Anne Shearin – Lending helping hands throughout the evening
- Clyde Johnston – Providing valuable assistance
- And many more wonderful volunteers – Each person made a meaningful difference
Generous Raffle Prize Donors
The excitement of our raffle was made possible by these generous local businesses:
- The Fix Salon – Supporting beauty and community
- The Barn Kitty – Adding unique local flair
- One-Eyed Jack’s Restaurant – Sharing their hospitality spirit
- Chockoyotte Country Club – Contributing recreational experiences
- Discount Tire and Automotive – Supporting with practical generosity
- And many more donors – Your collective generosity created excitement and joy!
Sponsor Appreciation
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors who made this event possible:
Gold Sponsor
- Acorn Center – Leading community support with exceptional generosity
Silver Sponsors
- The Fix Salon – Demonstrating ongoing community commitment
- The Barn Kitty – Contributing significantly to our success
Supporters
- Main Street Books – Supporting literacy and community connection
- Friends of the Library – Championing education and gathering
Behind-the-Scenes Excellence
Special recognition goes to Elizabeth Onyambu for outstanding event coordination that ensured every detail came together seamlessly, and Matt for professional videography that will preserve these wonderful memories for years to come.
Community Gratitude
This event represents the very best of our lakeside community. Every participant, volunteer, donor, sponsor, chef, and attendee contributed to an evening that truly was “one for the books.” The connections made, the flavors shared, and the memories created reflect the warmth and generosity that make our community so special.
Thank you all for making Taste Around the Lake 2025 an extraordinary celebration of food, community, and togetherness!
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and the continued growth of this beloved community tradition.
