Area moms can hang up their chef's hats and relax on Sunday, Oct. 26, as local restaurants and organizations converge on Memorial Plaza in the heart of Orangeburg for the 12th annual Taste of Orangeburg.

The event will begin at noon on the square and feature delicious dishes from All Star Deli, Buck Ridge Plantation, Chestnut Grill, Darby's BBQ, Eatery at the Depot, The Kuckery Restaurant & Catering, Ms. Tooky's and more. The Taste of Orangeburg draws hundreds of people to the square to enjoy such fare as shrimp and grits, fried fish sandwiches, barbecue, home-baked goods, fried oysters, pizza, smoked turkey legs -- and the list goes on.

Food tickets are available at the event for $1 each, and most food and drink items cost one to three tickets. Ticket booths will be located on each corner at the square.

"Taste of Orangeburg has proven to be an outstanding community event," said Bernice Tribble, executive director of the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association. "The crowds seem to grow each year, and most of our vendors actually sell out. A wonderful variety of food will be offered, and there will be something to please everyone. Our regulars will be back, along with some new vendors this year. There is no admission charge, and you purchase tickets for the food items you want to enjoy.

"This is a good opportunity for restaurants and caterers to feature new menu items they would like to promote. Food items include everything from 'soul' to gourmet. In addition to the great food, there will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon. There will be bleachers provided, but anyone who wishes to bring a lawn chair is welcome to do so."

Local artists will provide entertainment on the Taste of Orangeburg stage. The band Route 66 -- comprised of Pete Chaplin on vocals, Phil Storey on bass, Dave Tartell on keyboard and Jim Dreyfuss on guitar -- will appear from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Also performing will be The Red Hour (Troy Pooser is lead singer and plays keyboard, Rad Cochran plays lead guitar, Joseph "Randy" Tuttle plays bass and Eddie Thompson plays drums) from 1:15 to 2 p.m.; 2008 Orangeburg Idol Eden Graves at 2:10 p.m.; and the band Visions -- Edward Johnson, Roland Salley, Tina Johnson, Matthews Brown and Jackie Robinson -- at 2:35 p.m.

Corporate sponsor for the Taste of Orangeburg is South Carolina Bank & Trust.

While at the Taste, visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the winners of the annual Scarecrows on the Square contest.

In the event of inclement weather, the Taste of Orangeburg will be the cattle barn at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds.

For more information, call DORA at 803-531-6186.

DORA celebrates Halloween with scarecrows, costume contest

The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association will hold its annual Scarecrows on the Square contest at DORA Park, across from Memorial Plaza in downtown Orangeburg.

Scarecrows on the Square is open to all interested individuals, businesses and organizations. Bernice Tribble, executive director of DORA, said the contest "is a great opportunity to spotlight a business or organization."

Entry fee is $5, and winners in Best Theme, Most Original and Scariest categories will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable at DORA member merchants. Entries will be on display at DORA Park through

Also, on Friday, Oct. 31, DORA will hold its annual Downtown Employees Halloween Costume Contest. Participates must call the DORA office by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Winners in Best Overall, Most Original and Scariest categories will receive a $25 gift certificate.

For more information, call DORA at 803-531-6186.

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