By Ann Cantrell
Staff Writer 

    With samplings of food from Madison ChopHouse to the new restaurant Sanchos Mexican Cantina, people really will be able to experience a “Taste of Madison.” The Chamber of Commerce is hosting the ninth annual “Taste of Madison” at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Hall on Thursday, March 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entry cost is $17 in advance and $20 at the door.
    Madison­–Morgan Chamber of Commerce’s Andy Williams encouraged people to go ahead and buy their tickets due to the popularity of the event. “Usually a line forms before we even open the doors,” said Williams. About 500 people typically attend the event, said Williams, and he went on to describe it as one of Madison’s hottest events.
    The event will be set up so that people can wander from table to table, sampling different local foods. Vendors who will be featured include, Adrian’s, Perk Avenue, The Caboose, O’Hara’s, Amici, Wendy’s and Starbucks.
    Williams said that the event began in order to give locals the opportunity to experience some local food. This year the Chamber has invited two local agricultural businesses, HunkerDowns and Johnston Dairy to showcase some of their products.   The Chamber decided to invite the local agriculture businesses as a result of a growing trend in people’s desire to know how and where their food is produced.
    Williams said they are also looking to support local businesses as much as possible. In addition to these samplings from local agriculture, people can sample Mexican food from the new restaurant Sanchos Mexican Cantina.
    The event will also feature a silent auction where attendees can bid on everything from overnight stays in villas, to autographed items from country music singers, to fine jewelry. 
    “Usually everything is bet on—the items are well sought after,” said Williams.
    Vendors involved in the silent auction include Long Shadow Golf Club, Madison Fitness Center, Spa Adonia, Pure Bliss Spa and Shop and Southern Cross Guest Ranch.  
    Chip Lyness, of the radio station DOCK, will provide live entertainment. Williams said he will play a variety of everything. Taste of Madison is one of the many promotional and networking events open specifically to Chamber members.