Taste of the Town

6 p.m. Feb. 23

Kings Court Castle in Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Rd.

Tickets: at the door or online at www.lakeorionlions.org

By Jim Newell

Review Editor

Need a little something to spice up a Saturday night?

The Lake Orion Lions Club and Lake Orion United Methodist Church host the 4th annual Taste of the Town fundraiser Feb. 23.

This year’s flavorful festivities include cuisine from Lake Orion and Oxford restaurants, silent and live auctions and music and dancing.

“We have 18 restaurants and they’re all very good restaurants and everyone will enjoy the food big time,” said Lion Bob Erickson, co-chair of the event. “We’ve generally gotten 180-200 people to attend, so that’s very supportive (of the community).”

Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for two and are available at the door, at Lake Orion United Methodist Church, from any Lions Club member or under the events tab at www.lakeorionlions.org.

“The food is tremendous. I don’t know where else for $40 you can try 18 restaurants’ best food. I dare somebody to try to eat something from each one. I don’t think they can do it,” said Sue Erickson, co-chair of Taste of the Town.

Participating restaurants include Lockhart’s BBQ, Bad Brad’s BBQ, Valentino’s Italian Grill, Fork n’ Pint, Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Buffalo Wild Wings, Casa Real, The C-Pub Bar & Grille, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 5-1 Diner, Italia Gardens, Legacy 925, Mario’s Golden Nugget, Times Square Deli, Vendetti’s Pizza & Pasta and Orion Keg & Wine, Sue said.

“Some of them immediately say, ‘We’re going to do it next year.’ We’ve even had someone who didn’t do it, say they want to participate this year. Sometimes, the restaurants get new people the very next day (after the Taste of the Town) …which is pretty cool,” Sue said.

The Lions Club is bringing in an auctioneer and guests can pick up some great items during the auctions, Sue said.

Auction items include a round of golf for four at Indianwood Golf & Country Club; four Detroit Tiger tickets behind home plate (excluding opening day); a package to see the musical Hamilton in Chicago; a Nashville unplugged package; a Napa Valley excursion; a cabin vacation in Honor, Michigan; a condo vacation in Oscoda, Michigan; and 2 sets of four tickets to a Disney theme park, Sue said.

There will also be autographed memorabilia from Hall of Fame baseball players Willie Mays, Ted Williams and Don Mattingly, Sue said.

Other auction items include gift baskets from area establishments and items donated to the event.

“Hopefully, people will bring their checkbook and do something new,” said Sue, who particularly likes all of the vacation and destination packages available this year. “I don’t think our age wants more stuff. We want to do experiences with our kids or grandkids and go someplace rather than collecting stuff.”

Proceeds from the event and auctions go to outreach programs for both organizations.

“The Christmas Basket program is the biggest program that we spend our money on, and the church does Monday night meals and special needs programs…which cost a lot of money (to run),” Sue said. “We share in this 50/50, right down the middle.”

“All the money that we raise stays right here in the community and it all helps people who need help,” Bob said.

Contact Sue and Bob Erickson at 248- 877-4988 or email tasteofthetown99@gmail.com for questions, ticket information or to donate to the auctions.