The 36th edition of the Taste of the City [TOT] is in November of this year, hoping to escape the October weather of the past few years.

“With two hurricanes and one flood, three of the past four years have been plagued by weather issues,” said Jenna Cunningham, president of the event.

Still, around 7,000 foodies turned up to enjoy the tapas-style samples culinary event last year.

Taste of the Town is the primary fundraiser for St. Andrew’s Catholic School, and this year will be Tuesday, November 5 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St., from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For the second year, there will be food trucks at Taste of the Town, and this year that will be expanded to include more than last year.

Another addition this year is St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church with a baking booth. Many of the children who attend this church are St. Andrew’s students who Cunningham says are thrilled to be represented at TOT.

“St. Andrew’s is having a bake sale and we are receiving donations from local bakeries that are not participating in Taste of the Town, and we are very happy to invite St. John’s as well,” said Cunningham.

Admission to Taste of the Town is $ 5 in advance and $ 6 at the door. Children under 14 are admitted free.

Tickets are available at the school, at 3601 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, and online at www.totmb.org.

Dining tickets inside the event cost $ 1 each, with menu items costing between one and five tickets, depending on the restaurant and the item.

Some of the restaurants that will participate this year are 21 Main, Bar-B-Que, House, Mr. Fish, Fiesta Mexicana, Sticky Fingers, Famous Toastery, The Melting Pot, Melt and Ducatis.

In addition to the money raised for the improvement of the school and its grounds, a part also goes to student grants.

“There is a connotation that the scholarships are academic,” Cunningham said, “But this is a tuition assistance fund for those who might not be able to afford a school. private. “

Part of the TOT money is also given to the parish youth group, and contributions are made to Help 4 Kids and Catholic charities.

“The Taste of the City brings our community together for a night where we can all just enjoy what our local restaurants have to offer, and it’s a time for fun, food and camaraderie,” Cunningham said.

“This is what draws people in year after year.”

Founded in 1956, St. Andrew’s Catholic School has classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

In the past, Taste of the Town funds have supported a new gymnasium, community living center, playground equipment, updated air conditioning and safety devices.

Money raised at the event also paid for iPads for middle school students, smart boards, renovated toilets, furniture for the office, kindergarten and conference rooms, and even curtains for the stage.

Last year, computers were updated, iPad software was updated, and security was enhanced.

The Beer and Wine Garden will return to TOT this year and will be the center of the floor.

Last year the floor plan was changed, putting the Beer and Wine Garden in the middle, and Cunningham said the floor plan change received a lot of positive feedback.

“The space is more open now, it won’t be as crowded and there will be a better flow of foot traffic. “

She said it also helps with the noise level.

There will be a silent auction again this year, with numerous gift cards from participating restaurants.

Diamond sponsors for this year’s event are WBTW and McDonalds. The Platinum Sponsor is HTC. The gold sponsors are Better Brands and Pepsi, and the silver sponsor is US Foods.

“Taste of the Town is a time to celebrate Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, and a time to see friends you haven’t seen in a while,” Cunningham said.

“It’s time to reconnect and embrace people, and what better way to do that than to share a meal around a table? “