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Date: 10/17/2018
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West of the River Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual “Food Fest West” at the Springfield Country Club on Oct. 25 as a way to celebrate local food vendors and businesses across the area.
The 2018 Food Fest West event will offer a variety of samples from different food establishments, a sports memorabilia auction, raffle prizes and a performance by TK the DJ. Some of the vendors include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Storrowton Tavern, Partners Restaurant and Edible Arrangements.
The event is open to the public and draws in around 300 people every year, said West of the River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robin Wozniak.
“It’s just a relaxing night where people can come and enjoy samples of area cuisine,” she said. “We have a wide variety of vendors and it’s just a great night. The proceeds benefit the West Springfield Partnership for Education and our scholarship foundation.”
Wozniak explained that the purpose of the night is to showcase and market the cuisines of different vendors.
Vendors don’t have to members of the Chamber to participate, she added, and there are still slots available.
“There’s still room for vendors – the Springfield Country Club is a large facility so there’s always room for more. We’d love to have anybody that’s interested in promoting their restaurant or food establishment,” said Wozniak.
KBK Sports, a sports marketing company focused on fundraising support, will be conducing a sports auction. Part of the proceeds will go toward the Partnership for Education and Chamber scholarship foundation as well.
The free raffle will offer Six Flags tickets and donated baskets from the Chamber members.
The Chamber represents a diverse group of businesses within Agawam and West Springfield. Its mission is to act as both an advocate and resource for the towns’ local businesses. The organization strives to deliver value to its members and communities, explained Wozniak, while working to maintain and improve quality-of-life by gaining strong support for the existing industries. Its purpose is to promote economic development and advocate for issues that affect the business communities on a state and local level.
Some of the services and benefits the Chamber provides to its members include advertising opportunities; discounts on OfficeMax, UPS and other beneficial resources; a subscription to Business West Magazine; a featured logo on the Chamber’s website and networking lunches.
“The Chamber of Commerce promotes the business community, and this event helps to promote the restaurant and food vendor industry,” said Wozniak. “The members that are within the Chamber that have these types of establishments, and the sponsors, get a lot of marketing exposure.”
Sponsors for this year’s Food Fest West include the Polish National Credit Union, United Bank, OMC, Inc., Health New England and Florence Bank.
Ticket prices for the event are $35 in advance – $45 at the door – and available at the School Department and through Partnership for Education board members. Tickets are also available online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efh147r7b5c7f376&oseq&c&ch&fbclid=IwAR3Hzrx8QMMDGwWzzUXfz4UcL9WCYf8BLrBYhNs8kl8c4mQ5xrNFG8Tf-EE.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.