COVINGTON, Ga. - The Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce presents the 7th Annual Taste of Newton Food and Business Festival on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The festival attracts hundreds of people each year and is a fun way to dine out while listening to live music and meeting with businesses. Local restaurants and businesses will have booths arranged so families can casually taste menu samples and learn about services in the area.

“This is one of our most successful and favorite events in the year. It’s a perfect evening out for families to socialize and get a taste of different restaurants in the area, all under one roof. You don’t have to decide where you want to eat because you can try them all!” Debbie Harper, membership director at the Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce said.

Whether you want to try a new style of cooking or sample food from a restaurant you have never been to before, this is a great event to excite your taste buds and vary your dinner routine. The event will include entertainment with a live band and kid’s play area. In addition, there will be two cash bars and a raffle for your chance to win gifts.

"We really want to showcase to residents of Newton County that we have a variety of great restaurants and businesses in this area," Chamber President Ralph Staffins said. “We encourage residents to support all our local business. Sometimes it’s hard to change habits, especially when you have a favorite restaurant. Taste of Newton provides a fabulous experience that opens up the possibilities for more favorite restaurants to frequent.”

The 7th Annual Taste of Newton Food and Business Festival will be held on Oct.19 (rain date: Oct. 20) at the Porter Memorial Gymnasium. The event provides a change from your typical dinner out and the gymnasium is a historic gem that adds the perfect ambience. It is located at 2201 Main St., in Porterdale.

There is no entrance fee to the event and food tickets are $1 each. The food vendors will set their own prices for the samples they bring. A cash bar is also available.

The Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce encourages you to come to Taste of Newton for a fun night with the family. For more information, visit www.gocovington.com or contact the Chamber at 770-786-7510.