The rousing aroma of delicious dishes will fill the air at the Gene Bianchi Community Center on Tuesday, Aug. 27 when the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce’s Fifth Annual Taste of Oakdale opens its doors at 5 p.m.

Over 18 food stations are already slated to appear providing palate pleasing cuisine highlighting what the Oakdale area has to offer.

Five beverage suppliers are also scheduled with Wine Sisterhood and Gallo pouring award winning vintages. Valley Spirits Cold House Vodka will be pouring their specialty vodka mixtures. Cen-Cal and Delta Sierra Beverage will be providing beer.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Guardiola said the purpose of Taste of Oakdale is to increase patron’s awareness of what Oakdale catering, food, and beverage businesses have to offer. Increasing patron’s awareness builds future clients for these businesses, she noted.

There will be first time appearances at this year’s event by Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro with their baklava, spanakopita, and chicken brochette and by Moss Rose Bakery.

“We had over 300 attend last year and 200 the year before,” Guardiola said. “We’re expecting 400 or more this year.”

In addition to food and beverage sampling, Guardiola said the event will feature cooking demonstrations.

Jose Lombrana with Edible Artistry will perform his healthy desserts and carvings at 5:30 p.m. followed by Nita Roberts with That Chocolate Shop preparing gluten-free and lactose-free peanut butter cookies at 6:15 p.m.

Bambi Porter with Gypsy Cowgirl Kitchen Company finishes at 7 p.m. with a cheese and ricotta preparation.

Throughout the event raffle tickets will be sold.

“There will be a bike from Save Mart and various lunches around town up for bid,” Guardiola said. “Other businesses in town also donate things. We’ll have about 30 or so items to be raffled off.”

Guardiola said winners don’t need to be present to collect their item.

Over 200 tickets have been sold with another 150 being given out promotionally.

Pre-sale tickets are available for $25 at the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, 590 N. Yosemite Ave. and at the Oakdale Leader, 122 S. Third Ave.

Other Oakdale ticket sale locations include the Bank of the West at 134 S. Maag Ave., Oak Valley Community Bank at 125 N. Third Ave. and Valley First Credit Union at 126 W. F St. or on the Oakdale Chamber website through PayPal.

Tickets will also be on sale at the door for $35.

Participant applications and sponsors are still being accepted.  Contact the Oakdale Chamber at (209) 847-2244 for more information.