Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

This is your chance to sample the wares of some of the Rim Country’s best food professionals, and those aspiring to a career in the culinary arts. And while you enjoy yourself, you can also benefit the Payson Public Library.

At the annual Taste of Rim Country, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 3, the Payson Public Library becomes sample central with food from 12 providers and the Payson High School culinary arts program. Plus there will be a selection of wines to try.

Participating in the event are: Au Naturale Cafe at Healthy Perspectives; Ayothaya Thai Cafe; Cardo’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant; Cedar Ridge Restaurant at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino; Creekside Steakhouse; Gerardo’s Italian Firewood Cafe; Laura’s Small Cafe with Vita-Mart; Miss Fitz 260 Cafe; Payson High School culinary arts students; Randall House; Rim Country Jams; and The Landmark.

Many are returning participants and some are new to the event. Taking part for the first time are Cardo’s; Miss Fitz 260 Cafe; Rim Country Jams; and The Landmark.

Those attending the event can cast a ballot for their favorite presenter and the participant with the most votes will be named “Best of the Best” and given a trophy and more.

In addition to sampling food and wine, guests can also place bids on a room filled with silent auction items. In the past the auction has included jewelry, art and even trips. But perhaps its most entertaining draw are the fabulous gift baskets made by Terry Morris, the director of the library. The baskets generally feature a cookbook accompanied by wine and other special items associated with the “theme” of the cookbook.

There will also be a 50-50 raffle and music from Fred Carpenter’s vast collection.

Tickets are $30 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Payson Public Library through the Library Friends of Payson and half the cost is tax deductible. They are available for purchase at the library, but a limited number are available.

To learn more, call (928) 474-9260.