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The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce will host its 15th annual Taste of the Town Stroll on Thursday, Aug. 20, giving participants a self-guided food and drink tour through downtown while raising money for the New Canaan Food Pantry.
“We call this ‘the triple win,’ ” said Laura Budd, executive director of the Chamber. “Strollers get amazing food and drinks, the stores and restaurants get to greet existing customers and meet new ones, and the Food Pantry gets well stocked.”
The kick-off party begins at 5 p.m. at Stewart’s Spirits at 215 Elm St., where participants can pick up their wristband and map. From there, they have a 2.5-hour window to complete their chosen tour at their own pace, with everything wrapping up at 7:45 p.m. rain or shine.
Three tours are available this year: the Taste Tour, with 15 stops; and the Family Fiesta and Pour Tour, each with 11 stops. Over 20 local businesses are participating across the tours. Participants on the Pour Tour must be 21 or older and provide valid identification.
“Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes,” Budd said. “You’ll walk all over town.”
New this year is live music throughout the evening. The Town Brass will play downtown as participants stroll, and the Parkway Ramblers will perform at Stewart’s Spirits during the kick-off.
Net proceeds benefit the New Canaan Food Pantry, which provides non-perishable food items to qualified New Canaan residents and is fully supported by community donations. The pantry operates out of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 111 Oenoke Ridge and is open every other Tuesday.
The Chamber puts on the event in conjunction with Rock Paper Scissor Events, and Walter Stewart’s Market sponsors the event by covering costs and then using the donation funds to purchase food items specifically requested by the Food Pantry.
“It’s one of downtown New Canaan’s signature summer nights out,” Budd said.
Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite. The event sells out every year, so the Chamber encourages buying early. For a sneak peek at participating businesses, follow the event page on Facebook at facebook.com/Tasteofnewcanaan.