Attendees were given muffin tins in which to place such edibles as Roast Beef with Carrots and Potatoes from Melon Patch, Cracklins and a smoked turkey sandwich from Terry Powell’s Grocery, Seafood gumbo from Sheba’s and much more. For samples of beverages, there was the fruit water from La Mangonada Neveria, a One Fish Two Fish cocktail served by John and Kim Hollis at the HDN headquarters and several juice or coffee choices from Hebrews 11:1.

Among the items auctioned off by First Baptist Church Youth Minister Rusty Beck was a reindeer yard decoration, a pink wheelbarrow (whose sturdiness William Carlos Williams would no doubt have approved if not its color), an invention to assist in the removal of waders designed by Jillian Woodruff, a one-year subscription to a baked-good-of-the-month service from Bain Hollow Bakes, and several other things.  Bids went to the Hope Downtown Network, which dispenses funds to help beautify Hope’s Downtown area.

HDN President Rebekah Moore announced the results of a vote held during the event to determine which of three projects HDN will place a priority on in the coming year. That project turned out to be the renovation of the HDN headquarters building.  The project will require grant funding, for which applications have already been made, but investors are always welcome. Several contributed during the auction, in fact.

The event ended with the completion of a mural on the eastern wall of the Pocket Park. Designed by Carrie Sherbert, it depicts a cozy child’s bed, with stuffed animals and a multi-colored quilt.  The 3D quality of the image invites all who see it to lie down and have a nourishing nap with dreams of dollhouses or horsey sticks.  Then, also in the Pocket Park, there was a showing of The Lorax, based on another Dr. Seuss creation.

If attendance is any indicator, the third Taste of Hope made it all the more likely the tradition will continue for many October Saturdays to come.