Interested in expanding your palate from a local selection? Taste of Oakdale is giving locals the opportunity to sample from Oakdale vendors for an entire evening for only $25. The event has been around for a few years, and will be hosted at the Bianchi Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The community center is at 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale.

The goal of this event is not only to promote local businesses, but encourage attendees to expand their horizons in town by showcasing what area restaurants and associated establishments have to offer.

Taste of Oakdale usually averages around 300 people attending, and can max out at 500. Mary Guardiola, Chief Executive Officer at the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, explained “the big thing is getting people to sample things that they wouldn’t normally.”

She also noted that there’s usually a good variety and not too many restaurants with the same type of food. Though one year they did have three pizza parlors represented, Guardiola noted that Oakdale’s food scene has been growing more diverse as the community expands. Newcomers to the event this year are Starbucks, Stewart & Jasper, and Astoria’s chef.

“Everyone who’s there votes for ‘Best of’,” Guardiola continued.

This means businesses will be bringing their best, as they’ll compete against each other for the title of Best Beverage, Best Food, Best Dessert, and Best Overall.

After an evening of sampling what Oakdale has to offer, there will also be a raffle at the end of the night, which encourages attendees throughout the event. Those going to this year’s Taste of Oakdale can look forward to microbrews, wines, American, Mexican, Italian foods, gourmet cheeses, bakery items and more.

Tickets can be purchased online on the Oakdale Chamber’s website for $25 or at the door for $35. Visit oakdalechamber.com/taste-of-oakdale/ for more information for patrons and vendors alike.