Taste of Westchase Coming Sept. 3
By David Glass – World of Westchase

http://www.westchasewow.com/communitynews/tasteofwestchase.htm
 

The Taste of Westchase is coming on Sept. 3, 2006! For years many residents and local business owners have wanted a large event of their own to showcase products and services along with great food from local restaurants, family fun and entertainment – much like events held annually in New Tampa, Brandon and Clearwater. Now they have it.

David Glass, whose company is coordinating the event, spent a few months chatting with residents and some local business owners about the type of event they wanted and the Taste of Westchase and Business and Health Expo is what developed. "I just felt I had to do something," says Glass, "I kept hearing from family and friends in Westchase about a lack of events in the area and was asked to look into producing something.”

The First Annual Taste of Westchase and Business and Health Expo is scheduled for Labor Day weekend on Sunday, Sept. 3, from 1 – 5 p.m. at the A La Carte Event Pavilion, located at 4050 Dana Shores Drive, just a short drive from Westchase. Explaining why the event wouldn’t be held within the Westchase community, Glass stated, “There just isn’t enough space. We needed a venue large enough to accommodate all the exhibitors and provide plenty of parking for everyone. A La Carte Event Pavilion was the closest, not to mention it’s a first class facility.”

Although the event has the Westchase name plate on it, Glass acknowledged it’s a event for the surrounding communities as well. He stated it is expected to draw businesses and attendees from across the Northwest Tampa region, including Town N Country, Oldsmar and Citrus Park areas.

Dubbing it Northwest Tampa’s largest event, Glass expects about 25-30 food and beverage vendors to participate along with about 100 businesses displaying products and services. Glass says they’ll be something for all ages. Highlights will include food and beverage tasting, entertainment, interactive games and giveaways from local businesses. Attendees over 21 in age will have a chance to participate in beer-tasting sponsored by Michelob Ultra.

Tickets for the event will be available at the door and are $15 for ages 13 and up and $10 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Parking is also free.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Westchase Community Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to families of seriously ill children who are coping with financial hardship. “We’re very excited about the event and are happy to be involved,” says Westchase Community Foundation President Dan O’Brien.

Participating business are also very excited about the event. Sponsor Teal Henderson of Premier Mortgage Funding remarked, “It’s about time! I’ve been waiting for sometime for an event like this!” Henderson added that she lives and works within Westchase and believes the event will be great for the community and offer plenty of exposure for her company. “It’s important for people to know we’re right here in Westchase,” she says.

Jennifer Aguiar, owner of Essentials Med Spa, echoed her enthusiasm. “I’m very excited. I think it’s very valuable for people to know what’s available in the Westchase area, and this event will promote that.” Aguiar’s company will have an interactive booth, featuring giveaways and free consultations for attendees.

For further information on booth space, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact David Glass at 830-9501 or 363-0304.