It is one of the most important fundraising events for the Mattapoisett Women’s Club, and just the sort of exemplary event one would expect to see on a summer evening on the seaside of Mattapoisett.
July 15 was the time for the annual Taste of the Town beneath the great white canopy tent at Shipyard Park.
Lois Ennis of the Women’s Club was delighted that all the tables beneath the big tent were filled, as well as the 48 seats at the al fresco dining tables.
There were some tropical-like winds blowing the skirts on the tablecloths, but the weather was nothing like last year, said Ennis.
“It was so hot,” said Ennis. She recalled another year when the skies opened up an hour into the event raining buckets on all of the people. “We are always at the mercy of the weather,” said Ennis.
The was the 11th year for the annual event, which has become a tradition for many who came out to sample the different flavors Mattapoisett has to offer.
Mouthwatering aromas of seafood, pizza, and Asian cuisine merged perfectly with the salty sea air blown ashore by the wind, and everywhere you looked people were eating and laughing.
The Showstoppers, a singing group of local boys and girls, provided the entertainment for the hundreds of guests that kept pouring into the park in a steady stream.
Ennis said the proceeds go toward granting scholarships to local students, upwards to $4,000 when the event is a success. Ennis pointed to a stack of white paper event guides, saying it had originally contained a count of 500. It was roughly about a half hour into the event and already there were only about 100 left.
“It’s a lot a lot of work,” said Ennis. “But the people are here.” It looks like this year will be a generous year for scholarships in Mattapoisett.
By Jean Perry
