A delicious way to enjoy the arts returns to the Golden Triangle Saturday. The Starkville Area Arts Council’s Forks & Corks at The Mill celebrates the culinary arts by bringing some of the area’s talented chefs together under one roof. Each will prepare a specialty for the occasion, and ticket-holders have an opportunity to sample them all and vote for their favorites. The friendly competition for prizes and bragging rights also features music, wines, a ceramics display and silent auction in support of the arts council and its art education programs in Oktibbeha County. They include after-school programs, summer scholarships, micro-grants to teachers and other art-related projects.
“The culinary arts aren’t often highlighted as an art form, and SAAC is excited to continue expanding this fantastic fundraising event,” said SAAC Executive Director John Bateman. “Great food, fun entertainment and a social, informal atmosphere make this a fun night.”
To date, participating chefs include Leon Jefferson of Central Station Grill, Eric Stewart of Harvey’s, Quinton Pannell and John Fitzgerald of Restaurant Tyler and Eric King of King’s Craft Butchery. Bulldog Burger, Cafe 929, Camphouse, Commodore Bob’s and The Mill will also be represented. Forks & Corks patrons can visit each station to sample dishes ranging from appetizers to entrees to desserts.
“It’s been fun to watch the chefs explore and play … ” Bateman said of the culinary creativity on display every year.
“This is a great way to meet a lot of people,” he continued. “Forks & Corks is solo-friendly as well as date-friendly. … And you will not go away hungry.”
Individual tickets are $85 at eventbrite.com, starkvillearts.org, or call 662-324-3080.
In 2018, the annual fundraiser generated more than $10,000 to support SAAC art education that includes after-school programs, summer scholarships, micro-grants to teachers and other art-related projects.
In addition to its outreach programs, the Starkville Area Arts Council also sponsors the Cotton District Arts Festival. SAAC receives support from the City of Starkville and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Oktibbeha County, National Endowment for the Arts, Mississippi Arts Commission, Visit Mississippi, Del Rendon Foundation, 4-County Electric Foundation, SOAR, ATMOS Energy, and various local businesses and individuals.
Additional information about SAAC can be found at starkvillearts.org.
IF YOU GO:
■ WHO: Starkville Area Arts Council
■ WHAT: Forks & Corks
■ WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 6:30 p.m.
■ WHERE: The Mill, 100 Mercantile Lane, Starkville
■ TICKETS: $85 at eventbrite.com, starkvillearts.org, or 662-324-3080
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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