Walk, sample some food from local restaurants and try for some prizes from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at New Canaan’s annual “Taste of the Town Stroll” through downtown.
And bring a bag to donate to the New Canaan Food Pantry in order to get a stroll map so you won’t miss any of the 25-plus participating stores and restaurants.
How to win prizes
Here’s how to be eligible for a prize at the fifth annual event:
“[P]ick up your map at the Chamber of Commerce in front of the Movie Theater,” the chamber announced this week. “This year, over $6,000 worth of prizes, have been generously donated by local businesses.
According to the Chamber of Commerce website:
“After you make your donation you will be handed a map detailing all the stores and restaurants who are offering free sips and samples.
“After you have visited all the required locations you will turn your map back in and be entered to win! Prizes will be drawn at 9 p.m. in the Pop Up Park. You do not need to be present to win!”
There’s another way to win a prize, the chamber says: “By spending $200 in stores on the evening of the stroll, you will also have another opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Be sure to save your receipts and drop them off at the registration table to be entered to win!”
Bring food for the New Canaan Food Pantry
Donations can be dropped off at the Stroll (not before) or you can buy $15 and $25 “pre-packaged” bags at Walter Stewart’s Market the week before the event.
“These bags have a retail value of $25 and $40 each,and are available thanks to the generosity of Stewart’s,” according to the Chamber of Commerce website, “Just bring your receipt to the Stroll and you are good to go!”
The pantry especially could use herbal tea, coffee, canned fruit, peanut butter & jelly, dish and laundry soap, crackers and pasta, according to the chamber.
‘Lobster-Off’ competition
Just before the stroll starts, organizers have added a competition — called the “Lobster-Off” — for the best lobster roll, with participants including Baldanza, Cava, Fishtales, Fjord Fish Market and Silvermine Market.
Contestants “will have a minute to pitch on what makes them so great (think of America’s Got Talent with food),” according to an announcement from the Chamber of Commerce.
The competition starts at 5 p.m. in the Pop Up Park — bring your food pantry donation there.
This pre-event event is hosted by Chef Plum, of Plum-Luv-Foods. Chef Plum was a recent contestant on Cutthroat Kitchen and has been featured on Jamie Oliver Blog, Chopped, Guys Grocery Game and elsewhere. He’s also a regular on TV and radio — on “Better CT” on WFSB, Fox CT, Food Network, Star 99.9 and the nationally syndicated show, “Better”.
It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta judge the lobster: Judges are First Selectman, Rob Mallozzi III; New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tucker Murphy and Luke Venner, executive chef at Elm Restaurant (recently voted “best Lobster Roll on CT Coastline” by CTBites).
If the weather’s bad, the rain date will be Friday, Aug. 21.
For further information call the Chamber office on 203-966-2004 or visit www.newcanaanchamber.com/taste-of-the-town-stroll