By Ann Cipperly
Opelika Observer

Great food from 15 restaurants, wine and a silent auction will provide an entertaining evening at the Museum of East Alabama’s Fourth Annual Taste of the Town April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the museum on Ninth Street in downtown Opelika.
This year’s sponsors are AuburnBank, EAMC, the Opelika Observer, Round House and Smith T Building Supply.
Restaurants participating in the tasting include Acre, Zazu, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Martha Hick’s Southern Hospitality Catering, Irish Bred Pub, Niffer’s, Jefferson’s, Amsterdam Café, Ursula’s Catering, Outback Steak House, City Cafe, Sweet Malisa’s, Zoe’s Kitchen, The Cup and Saucer and O Town Ice Cream.
The Warm Springs Winery, Hodges Vineyards and Whippoorwill Vineyards will provide samples of their wines. Sodas, coffee and bottled water will be provided by the museum.
Kathy Penton is chairman of the silent auction, which will offer an interesting variety of items this year.
The tasting has been a popular event with the opportunity to sample dishes from 15 of the area’s best restaurants, offering a variety of delectable food from appetizers to desserts.
Proceeds from the fundraiser provide for repairs and upkeep of the museum. Every year visitors from around the globe visit the museum to view the history of East Alabama.
Located at the site of the old Clement Hotel on Ninth Street, the Museum of East Alabama officially opened Aug. 10, 1989.  Volunteers kept the museum operating until funds were available to hire a director. Glenn Buxton is the current director.
Renovation of the main building and construction of the East Alabama at Work exhibits were completed a few years ago. The museum displays more than 5,000 artifacts from the area’s past.
Enjoy an evening of wonderful food while helping to preserve the museum and artifacts, as they continue to provide a living history of the area’s past.
Tickets are $25 and are available at the museum, www.eastalabama.org or can be purchased from any board member.
Membership in the museum is also available on various levels, beginning with $25 for families.
The Museum of East Alabama is located at 121 S. 9th Street. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 2-4 p.m.