Only a few spots remain for local restaurants and organizations wishing to participate in the upcoming “Taste of Covington County.”

The event, which is the annual fundraiser for the local American Red Cross chapter, is set for May 2, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Center.

“We’re almost at capacity for food vendors,” said chapter director Merrill Davis. “Thus far, we’ve got 20 restaurants from all over the county ready to serve up all kinds of food from American to Mexican to Chinese, Japanese, Italian and even some fine Southern home cooking. We can only accommodate 25.”

Davis said this year’s new restaurants are Kickers, who specializes in Cajun cuisine, and Fried Green Tomatoes.

“Kickers just moved in over on (U.S.) Hwy. 29 past Heath, and I’ve heard they do great food, and of course, Fried Green Tomatoes will be serving up home-style food,” he said.

Davis said there are only five additional spots remaining for food vendors.

“Last year was the first year we ever met our fundraising goal,” he said. “So, this year we’ve raised the bar and set our goal at $15,000. All the money we raise goes straight to funding disaster response on a local level.

“Most of the time the money we raise helps propel us into the next fiscal year,” he said. “That’s not the case this year. We’ve experienced a six-year high in single-family fires, so that money is needed today. When we say you have an opportunity to change a life by donating to the Red Cross, you really do.”

Davis said local businesses, church organizations, civic organizations or “anyone who’d like to” are encouraged to participate.

“There are a few organizations such as Florala Health and Rehab, St. Mary’s Breakfast Club, South Alabama Regional Airport, Quaint on Brooklyn, Beyond Measure Ministries, who will be serving up some good food, too,” he said.

“We also need sponsors for the event,” he said. “We ask that anyone who’d like to become a sponsor sign up before April 19 so we can get their name on any marketing materials.”

Event tickets are $15 each and are limited. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Red Cross office on Hillcrest Drive or from any Red Cross board member. No tickets will be available at the door.

“We’re telling people, ‘Don’t wait! Your mouth deserves ‘a Taste of Covington County,’” Davis said.