Get ready to get a real “Taste of Covington County” at the annual fundraising event sponsored by the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Don Johnson, who was recently promoted from chapter’s interim director to executive director, said plans for the event began at the first of the year. At present, there are eight confirmed restaurants.

“We started sending out letters after the first of the year,” he said. “And we’re steadily getting responses back.

“We’re still looking for restaurants to sign up to bring everything from good ol’ Southern cooking and barbecue to specialty dishes like Italian, Chinese and Mexican,” he said. “At this event, there’s truly something for everyone.”

In years past, more than 25 restaurants and bakeries participated in the event, attracting more than 2,500 tasters. This year, the Red Cross hopes to expand those numbers.

There is no participation fee, and interested vendors should prepare “a taste” for approximately 500 people.

“This is not a buffet event,” Johnson said. “You want to give people a small tasting of what you’re serving at your restaurant.”

The “Taste of Covington County” is the largest single fund-raiser for the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross each year, and all proceeds are used to help the local chapter continue to provide emergency disaster services to the people of Covington County; and continue to prepare the people for disasters, educate them in CPR and First Aid, and continue the many programs the chapter offers throughout the year.

This year’s title sponsor is Gitty-Up-N-Go.

“All the money we raise at this event stays here to help provide resources needed for services here in Covington County,” Johnson said. “All donations made to the chapter are tax deductible.”

And that money is desperately needed, he said.

“We hope to raise at least $15,000,” he said. “Last year was a record year for local disasters, where from July to March, there were 34 fires. Comparatively, since July, we’ve had 15 fires, but it still takes money to provide services like hotel rooms, emergency clothing and the like.”

Tickets are $15 each and are available at the chapter office on Hillcrest Drive and at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, which is currently located in the county board of education building.

The event will be held Mon., May 7, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Center.

For more information or tickets, call 482-2680.