The fifth annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach will take place 5-8 p.m. Oct. 21 on the waterfront at MarineMax, 275 Waynick Blvd. in Wrightsville Beach. 

The festival celebrates the diverse fare of Wrightsville Beach with food, wine and beer from more than 40 local eateries and bars. New participants this year include Shark Bar and Kitchen, Waterman’s Brewing Co. and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

A panel of judges will vote for a Best in Show dish, Best Savory dish and Best Sweet dish, and guests will vote for the People's Choice Award. New this year will also be a contest for Best Beer and Wine. 

Last year’s event was cancelled because of Hurricane Matthew, but in 2015, Ceviche’s Inspired Panamanian Restaurant & Bar earned the judges' Overall Best Dish and the People’s Choice Award. Best Savory Dish went to chef Jeff Scott of Bluewater Grill for a honey-bourbon candied pork belly served with honey mustard Brussels sprouts slaw on top of a crispy wonton, and Best Sweet Dish went to Loops Homemade Donuts for an assortment of doughnuts including salted caramel, pumpkin with cream cheese icing, maple walnut and original glazed.

Forty percent of the net proceeds will be awarded to the New Hanover County Weekend Meals on Wheels program, and 60 percent will be allocated to other organizations such as the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project; Hope from Helen Foundation; The Harbor Way Garden (maintained by the Harbor Island Garden Club); The N.C. Holiday Flotilla; Tennis Court Lighting; Bike Racks; and future island projects in partnership with the town of Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Committee.

Three levels of tickets are available ranging from $25 to $75, and they can be purchased online.

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