For the seventh year in a row, the Sun-Gazette is sponsoring the Taste of Home Cooking School show.
As an added feature this year, the show will feature a Halloween theme with a twist: all attendees who dress in a Halloween costume will receive a chance to win a special prize, and the six best costumes will have a chance to compete on stage for the honor of being selected as the Best Costume of the Night by the audience.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., with a vendor expo beginning at 3 p.m. at the Genetti Hotel.
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BARNA
Tickets go on sale from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., and may be ordered during that time by stopping in or calling 326-1551 or 800-339-0289 and after that date by calling or stopping in the office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
General admission is $12, with preferred seating in the first five rows for only $25 per person. Chef's VIP Circle seating, which is in the Sterling Circle and includes a meet-and-greet with the chef, are $50. Limited seating is available.
Back by popular demand is Culinary Specialist Chef Michael Barna, who was here for the 2010 show.
Fact Box
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Taste of Home Cooking Show
WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 16
WHERE: Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.
"All reports were so favorable of Chef Michael's last visit," said Connie Tobias, Sun-Gazette event coordinator. "He had a great rapport with the audience and gave great tips."
Tobias said the Sun-Gazette usually hosts a holiday-themed show, and this year she was looking to try something different and fun.
Barna said the show will feature a full 10 recipes during a 2 1/2-hour show that blends appetizers, entrees and desserts.
"My goal is to teach them how to easily make the 10 recipes we show and have fun being in the kitchen doing it. I work very closely with the emcee from stage to ensure the attendees have a great time and to not let it get boring," Barna said. "After going through the pre-show vender area and giving away as many gifts as we do at a show, it's not hard to feel good getting ready for the holidays."
Bernard A. Oravec, publisher of the Sun-Gazette, once again will be master of ceremonies.
Tobias said major event sponsors include Kitchen Design Studio, Weis Markets, Bill's Appliance Center, Genetti Hotel, CAC and Beiter's Home Center, which is providing the grand prize of a large flat-screen television and stand.
Van Campen Motors also will have a van on site during the preview from 3 to 7 p.m. Anyone who donates a can of food to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will be entered to win a large gift basket from Van Campen.
All show attendees also will receive a "goodie bag" featuring coupons, giveaways and a Taste of Home Cookbook, Tobias said.
