This Tuesday October 22nd, the Harvest Regional Food Bank hosted the 31st charity event “Taste of Texarkana” at the Four States Fairgrounds Arena in Texarkana, Arkansas from 5 to 8 PM. Attendees were able to sample food and beverages from multiple vendors ranging from large-scale distributors like Walmart to local businesses like Lost Pizza Co. Additionally, the Texas High jazz band provided entertainment for the attendees.
Attendees were able to return for as many samples as they liked including non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. A variety of vendors were not only giving out food samples but also coupons and merchandise including items like hats and bottle openers, according to the spirit of their business. For example, the Texarkana Public Library was giving out free cooking books.
One of the largest distributors that were present at the event is Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. This was the distributor’s third year and they said “[They’ll] be back every year because of the amount of people that come.” Other large-scale companies that were present at the event include Walmart, Albertsons, Blue Bell Creameries and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
Additionally, a great variety of locally-owned businesses made themselves present at the event. One of them was Lost Pizza Co. who has been attending the beneficence event since their opening in 2022. A representative of Lost Pizza Co. added that Taste of Texarkana “[Brings] a lot of business to our restaurant ‘cause a lot of people that have never tried it before will come into our restaurant afterwards.”
The event has been hosted for the last 31 years by different organizations including the St. James Day School, the Texarkana Lions Club and the YWCA. Andi Darby, a member of the Texarkana Harvest Regional Food Bank board has participated in the event for the last 25 years said “It’s a real passion for me to find ways to help raise money for Harvest [Regional Food Bank].” Mrs. Darby was who originally asked the Harvest Regional Food Bank to take over the event 24 years ago. The Harvest Regional Food Bank covers nine counties across southern Arkansas and northeast Texas, including Bowie County.
‘Taste of Texarkana’ is hosted once a year during the fall, but the Harvest Regional Food Bank hosts more beneficence events throughout the year, including the ‘Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament’ and the annual ‘Wine & Jazz Gala.’