By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – Signature dishes from several local restaurants, wineries, breweries and caterers will be available for a community taste testing Sept. 12 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center for the Sixth Annual Taste of Shelby County. The event will last from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and benefit Shelby County Schools through the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation.

Kendall Williams, director of development for the GSCEF, said about 30 vendors have signed up so far with more being confirmed daily. Vendors include Ezell’s Fish Camp, Good People Brewing Co., K & J Elegant Pastries, Morgan Creek Vinyards, Tellini’s Italiano and more.

“It’s just a fun evening where people can come out and maybe try some restaurants that they haven’t been able to try before,” Williams said.

The culinary showcase is free for businesses to participate and includes supporters of Shelby County Schools from all over the Birmingham area, Williams said. Sponsors help offset the cost of the event, while ticket sales will generate much of the fundraising revenue. Williams said she hopes to net about $5,000 from this year’s event, money which will be used for technology advancement within Shelby County classrooms as well as teacher grants.

New to this year’s event are door prizes, which will be given away in two categories, one for Shelby County Employees and the other for the general public. Williams said Books-A-Million is the main door prize sponsor and will give away four Nooks and a $500 gift card throughout the night.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the stakeholders within the Shelby County School District to come together in one space,” Williams said, referencing mayors, city officials, parents, employees and other vested community members.

The Heavy Hearts will also provide music during the event.

Tickets cost $25 and can be bought in advance or at the door, and the first 100 people to arrive at the conference center will receive a souvenir wine glass. All ticket purchases include one free door prize entry, and more entries can be bought for $5 each the event. For purchasing information, visit Business.shelbychamber.org/events or call Kendall Williams at 682-5255.