Get a Taste of James Island with a friendly cooking competition next Sat. April 27

On Sat. April 27, the Taste of James Island (friendly!) cooking competition and fundraiser will be held at the First Baptist Athletic Fields on James Island from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is an annual fundraiser for James Island Outreach (JIO), a 30-year-old nonprofit helping care for the citizens of James Island and Folly Beach by providing food and shelter.

“This year’s Taste of James Island will be the largest and most competitive yet. There will be a cooking competition among our community and church chefs and established restaurants. We hope The Taste will become the keystone annual event for our community moving forward,” said JIO’s executive director Scott Graul.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m., and each attendee will receive four voting tickets upon entry.

The competition will be divided into two groups, restaurant and church/civic groups, and the award categories for each group are Best of Savory and Best of Sweet.

The competing restaurants this year include Rita’s Grille, Low Down Oven and Bar, and Charleston Crabhouse, and amateur chefs from James Island, James Island Fire Department, and eight churches will compete.

Admission to the event is $5, with children under 10 free with a paid adult. Attendees can taste samples of the food for $2 (proceeds go to JIO) and vote for their favorites.

Raffles, kids activities, local vendors, and music from Calhoun’s Calling and Wildflower Station will be on site.

Donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated, but not required. No coolers, alcohol, or furry friends.