By Meghan McCormick
Transcript Staff Writer
Fine food and good company is one way to spend a summer evening.
Thursday, The Taste of Norman committee invites the community to sample some of the town’s delicacies and contribute to both high schools at the same time.
Taste of Norman co-chair Sherry Isom said the event raises money for both Norman High and Norman North’s music departments. It is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the University of Oklahoma Fieldhouse, just north of the stadium. Seating will be available.
Already, more than 40 restaurants have agreed to provide food for the event, Isom said.
“It’s become a social event,” she said.
Brad Benson, Norman Public Schools director of fine arts, said the fundraiser debuted in the 1990s and took a short absence before it made a comeback four years ago.
“It originated several years ago and Sherry and the Taste of Norman committee revived it in 2003,” Benson said.
In 2003, 20 local businesses catered food for the meal, Isom said. Year after year, the number of participating restaurants increased bringing the total to 43 this year.
She said each eatery will supply a sample size portion of selected menu items. Students will provide musical entertainment.
Those who visit the fundraiser will be treated to a few menu favorites from Legend’s Restaurant.
Joe Sparks, Legend’s Restaurant owner and general manager, said he plans to serve pasta salad with shrimp and samples of strawberry genoise and four-layer lemon cream cake.
Sparks also is a member of the Norman Public Schools Board of Education. The board member said he likes the event because it supports school programs.
“We’ve been participating since its beginning,” he said.
Jaye Rolland co-owner of The Bayou on Campus Corner, didn’t resist including his business in the fundraiser.
“We think it’s a great cause,” he said.
Rolland opened the eatery in March. He said Taste of Norman will give him a chance to let the crowd know there is a New Orleans-style restaurant in town.
“It’s a great opportunity to help out the community,” he said.
Rolland will dish up servings of Mississippi mud to the crowd. He described the delicate dessert as a brownie with marshmallow cream and chocolate icing.
“It’s very rich with a wine sauce,” he said.
Isom said ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children who attend kindergarten through eighth grade. The cost will jump $3 if purchased at the gate. Children under 5 years of age, will be admitted free.
The ticket only covers the dinner and cannot be used for the Norman High vs. Norman North football game that begins at 7:30 p.m.
Benson said after expenses, funds raised will be distributed to both schools.
Last year, students sold more than 2,000 tickets and earned a little over $30,000.
Corporate sponsors for the event include Republic Bank and Trust, Marc Heitz Auto Family and MidFirst Bank.
Tickets may be purchased in advance from students and all Republic Bank and Trust locations.
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