This year gate donations and fundraising will support two important local charities.

Taree Lions president, Di Brooker, said Can Assist Manning Valley and Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative were excited to be on board. Both charities are also contributing volunteers to assist on the day of the event.

Ronald McDonald Family Retreat and Domestic Violence Services have also benefited from TasteFest in previous years.

The 2019 TasteFest committee is excited about the upcoming third annual Craft Beer, Food and Wine event to be held on Saturday, January 12.

Queen Elizabeth Park is looking great and the current weather forecast is for 29 degree Celsius. Everyone is welcome and there is something for all the family.

“We have been lucky to gain new enthusiasm and energy with new volunteers for the 2019 event,” Lion Phil Grisold said.

“New Lions members have joined the committee to assist with several roles and Kim and Ralph Wilkinson have taken on a number of roles including coordinating vendor applications for TasteFest 2019.”

Kim has had a record number of early bird applications for the summer event on the foreshore of the Manning River. She said that many interested vendors were quick to secure their place at this popular event.

Enthusiastic local,Toby Uglow has built on last year’s successful roaming entertainment and he has organised additional children’s entertainment for the community charity day. There will be something for all ages.

Phil said Di Brooker has the club increasing their focus on the duck race and they have enjoyed increased sales in Taree Central Shopping Centre and at several business that came on board as well.