Charlotte K. Berger

cberger@thecherawchronicle.com

CHERAW -The Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that this year's Taste of Cheraw will be held April 17 at the Malloy Home Place on Third Street.

The home is owned by Bill and Susan Malloy.

Patsy Hendley, President of the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce recently appeared before the Cheraw Town Council to discuss the options for the event location. After the board ruled against holding the event downtown, the Chamber decided to hold this year's event at the Malloy Home Place. Hendley and the Chamber Board of Directors felt that it would be more fitting to have the event at a privately-owned property featuring a beautiful garden setting.

"The "Taste of Cheraw has been the event of the year since 1994," said Hendley.

The event is sponsored by the chamber as well as major industries in the area.

Chamber president Jimmie Williamson said that The Taste of Cheraw attracts people from outside of the community, including family and friends who visit Cheraw; making a point to visit Cheraw specifically and to include the 'Taste" during their visit.

In the past, this event has been a sold out, usually with a waiting list. More than 800 attended last year's event, of which at least 300 were from out of town.

"The Greater Cheraw Chamber's sponsoring of the event raised some questions about the town's involvement of a closed, ticket-only event," said Williamson. " The move to the private property should negate any concerns about continuing with this fine and elegant tradition."

The cost of this year's tickets has not been decided upon yet, but will be announced at a later date. Also, the food selections are still in the early planning stages, according to Hendley.

For information and to purchase tickets to Taste of Cheraw, contact the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce at 843-537-7681.