A paradise for adventurous diners, the Scotland County Literacy Council’s 16th Annual Taste of the Town will offer selections from more than 15 Laurinburg restaurants. This year’s Taste of the Town will be held on Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m. at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church at 600 W. Church Street. The event serves as the premier annual fundraiser for the Scotland County Literacy Council, the only local organization that provides adult education in subjects including basic reading and writing, mathematics, and computer skills. “We don’t charge for anything, everything’s free here,” said Diana Altman, chair of the literacy council’s board of directors. “That’s why a fundraiser like this is so important: in order to continue to provide gratis services in the community.” According to Altman, 17 local eating establishments have committed to serving food at Taste of the Town, and several more may still sign on. Restaurants donate some of their signature dishes for the event, so that proceeds may go entirely to the literacy council. “They’re all local restaurants, with a great variety of food,” Altman said. “There will be plenty of different kinds of foods for people to sample. Restaurants tend to bring the best food that they have because it’s also a promotion for the restaurants. The food that they bring is always good.” Guests will be free to eat as much as they please until the food runs out. “This is a sampling thing – it will be set up so that there will be food around the perimeter of the church,” said Altman. “There will be tables set up for people to sit at with their friends and relatives and they can go back and taste from as many different restaurants as they want.” Among Taste of the Town’s supporters is Campbell’s Soup, who will have a selection of foods available at the event. Event attendance generally averages around 200 or 300, said Altman. “This is a really popular local event,” she said. “In fact, people start to ask us on February when we’re going to have Taste of the Town because they really enjoy coming.” This year’s event will feature a spring theme, with seasonally-colored decorations and tablecloths to celebrate the season’s arrival. With entertainment and music provided by WLNC’s Gary Gallman, Altman said, Laurinburg residents couldn’t hope for a better evening for less money. “It’s the best deal in town,” she said. “For eight dollars, where can you eat and have really, really good food?” Tickets for the event will be $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Literacy Council on West Cronly St. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on Thursday evening.