The town is gearing up for the third annual Taste of Mount Laurel.
The event, where people are welcome to test food from local restaurants, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Mt. Laurel Community Center, 100 Mount Laurel Road, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The objective of the indoor celebration is to bring the community together to connect and support local businesses.
Dana Gee, an aide with the parks and recreation department, said the event started its first year as just an event for senior citizens. It’s since grown.
“It was such a success that the township decided to open it up to the public last year, generating over 250 attendees,” Gee said. “Businesses and attendees were so pleased with last years event, that they have been contacting us since then to find out when the Third-Annual Taste of Mount Laurel would be held.”
The event was created by the recreation director and staff and is supported by township manager and council.
“The Mount Laurel area has a lot to offer in regard to food businesses,” Gee said. “Many people flock to places that are familiar to them and don’t have a chance to try the new and different.
“The Taste of Mount Laurel gives people a chance to try food from places that they may not have even known existed in their local area, or may not have otherwise thought to visit. This in turn generates free advertisement and new customers to the local businesses participating in this event.”
According to Gee, the businesses that have participated have generated new customers and increased profits. The restaurants are sent a survey close to three months after the events to see if business has picked up for spring.
“After the new year, it is difficult to get patrons due to holiday spending, dieting, overall change of routine so we ask that they hand out specials, coupons and the like to entice the residents in the area,” she said. “We are hoping that we can start off this new year by generating more attendees and helping to bring the Mount Laurel area more business and start this year off right.”
Included in the event are giveaways of food, gift cards and gift certificates to visit the restaurant in the future.
“This is a slow time for all businesses due to the holidays and new year,” Gee said. “This is exactly why we hold the event in January. It is cold and gives everyone a place to come, relax, catch up, lose that cabin fever and try something new.”
Although Taste of Mount Laurel is free, residents are urged to register ahead of time by contacting the recreation department at (856) 234–0001, ext. 265 or ext. 269.
All information is posted on the website at www.mountlaurel.com or at the Mount Laurel Community Center.
