By: Shayla Terry

Residents countywide packed the Luverne United Methodist Church Dei Center last Thursday night for great cuisine and entertainment at the 5th annual Taste of Crenshaw. Every June, the Crenshaw County Chamber hosts their famous event.

This year, the tasty night drew more than 100 people and more than 15 vendors serving the population.Vendors like Mainstreet Sweets owners Tim and Kathy Dowdy have been a part of the event since its creation.

“We’ve been with it ever since it started,” Kathy Dowdy said. “We’ve been in business for exactly five years, so we started when it did. It was great exposure for us.”

Mainstreet Sweets has been closed due to damages to their building from the April 3 inclement weather. “We snuck in the shop and found a freezer that was still plugged up, and hauled our ice cream here,” Dowdy said. “We wouldn’t miss this event for the world.”

The night was filled with entertainment. The Chamber gave away door prizes, which included gift certificates, thermal cups and two coolers.

Scott Fowler reprised his role as a performer at the event for a third year. “It was a nice night, and I am proud to see that it is outgrowing the venue.” Fowler said. Donald Nix, chamber of commerce president said that he is happy to see the event grow every year.

“Our vendor participation exceeded expectations,” he said. “We had so many door prizes that I feel like everyone could leave feeling like a winner. Every year I am proud to see it get better and better.”

Admission to the buffet style event was $10, and goers were allowed as much food as they could muster. Vendors of the night were Pizza Hut, Gran’ Occassions, the Chicken Shack, Allen’s Dry Creek Market, Sydney’s Catering, Hardee’s, Mainstreet Sweets, Bush’s BBQ, Tater’s, Marathon/Finnway Express Deli, Pepsi Bottling Company of Luverne, Sister Schubert’s, Ramey’s, Preston’s, Pre’s Sweets N Things and Amazing Grace Café.