Editor's note: Organizers announced Oct. 5 that they will have to cancel this year's Taste of Wrightsville Beach event because of Hurricane Matthew and were unable to secure plans for an alternate date.

The fifth annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach will be held 5-8 p.m. Oct. 8 on the waterfront at MarineMax. Sponsored by the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, the festival will feature food and beverages from more than 40 beach venues.
 
“We are excited to celebrate our fifth anniversary of Taste of Wrightsville Beach,” Wrightsville Beach Alderman Lisa Weeks said. “The conception five years ago was to showcase our islands diverse cuisine and encourage folks to continue to support our restaurants during the offseason.”
 
Participating venues will compete for titles such as Best Overall Dish and the People’s Choice Award.
 
Ceviche’s Inspired Panamanian Restaurant & Bar took home first place for both the Judges' Overall Best Dish and the People’s Choice Award last year.
 
The judges gave the award of Best Savory Dish 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. 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.
 
Returning participants in this year’s event include: Ceviche's, Bluewater Grill, Oceanic Restaurant, Banks Channel Pub and Grille, King Neptune, Mellow Mushroom, South Beach Grill, 22 North, Robert's Grocery, Surfberry, Bridgetender/Fish House, Sweet n Savory Cafe, Blockade Runner East Restaurant, Tower 7, Beach Bagels, Loops Homemade Donuts, SunDays. Newcomers this year include Charlie Grainger's, Kohl's Frozen Custard and The Workshop. Attendees will also enjoy an assortment of local craft beers from RA Jefferies and a diverse selection of wines from Noni Bacca, One Hope Winery, Wine Sellers, Windham, Advintage, Tryon and Mims Distributing.
 
Forty percent of the Taste of Wrightsville Beach proceeds benefit Weekend Meals on Wheels. The balance of the proceeds will benefit The Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project, Hope from Helen, Harbor Way Garden maintained by the Harbor Island Garden Club, the N.C. Holiday Flotilla, tennis court lighting, as well as future island projects in partnership with the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Committee.
 
Tickets and more information can be found  at the Wrightsville Beach Foundation's website.
 
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