This year’s Taste of Covington County left local residents and visitors alike with a good taste in their mouths, and left Covington County’s American Red Cross with a little more money in its pockets.

“We haven’t finished the official count, but it looks like we raised around $15,000,” Red Cross Director Don Johnson said.

Johnson said that money is vital to the Red Cross mission of helping victims of local disasters.

“This is the only fundraiser of the year for us,” he said. “As far as this year’s event went, the vendors – with food quality, quantity and variety – they really knocked it out of the park.”

Johnson said public participation was down a bit from last year, but added those in attendance had a great experience.

“From all comments, the layout, the service and attention to detail, I think we got an A plus,” Johnson said. “We also had 22 vendors and nobody dropped out at the last minute, which has never happened before. That’s rare at a big event.”

Johnson said that is also a tribute to how dedicated local merchants are to spreading the word about their restaurants, subsequently boosting the county’s economy.

“All the indications from vendors is that they were happy,” he said. “We had vendors from all over the county. It was held in Andalusia, but it was truly a countywide event.”

Johnson said a big thank you is in order for the vendors and sponsors that helped make this year’s event a success, including sponsors: PowerSouth; Andalusia Regional Hospital; CCB Bank; Andy Cable; Andalusia Tire; Covington Casket Company; Covington Electric Cooperative; Edward Jones in Opp; Jackson Cycles; JM Jackson Chevy/Buick; J.R. Lawnmower Shop; Mark Gable Dental Services; Ron Nall Insurance Agency; Southeast Alabama Gas District; Southern Independent Bank; Veterinary Home Services; Phillips Pest Control’ Barrow’s Furniture; Massey Automotive; Mathews Petroleum; and vendors: 2 Guys Pies; Beef O’Brady’s; Blue Lake Camp; China Wok; Church’s Chicken; David’s Catfish; Dean’s Cake House; Florala Health and Rehab; Huddle House; Larry’s B-B-Q; LBW Culinary Arts Department; Ofelia’s Italian; Pizza Hut; Rancho Grande; Simone’s Café and Confectionary; St. Mary’s Church’ Tropical Smoothie; Ty’s Place; Walmart deli; Winn-Dixie deli; Yo Craving; and Zaxby’s.

Additionally, Johnson said eight restaurants and two businesses helped sell tickets for this year’s event.