L-R: Jonathan Ball, Apple Valley Winery, Jim McGill, SCOC, Karen Chambers, Hungry Bear Café
The first ever Sugarfest 2011, coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, brought nearly 100 sweet fans together for a unique event celebrating the desserts available at area restaurants just in time for the holidays. The event, which raised money for the E.L.F. Dual Enrollment Scholarship Fund generated more than $1,000 in less than an hour and a half.
“This was a great opportunity for the Sevierville Chamber to highlight the desserts available for purchase at area businesses for Thanksgiving and Christmas while also raising money to help our county’s students participate in dual enrollment programs,” says Sevierville Chamber membership coordinator Jim McGill. Dual enrollment classes allow students the opportunity to satisfy high school level credits while also earning credits toward their college degree. “Our mantra for this event has been Sugarfest is gonna be sweet – and it really has been,” says McGill.
During the event ribbons were awarded to Sugarfest vendors. The “Best of Sugarfest” award recognized the people’s choice winners while the “Rollin’ in the Dough” award acknowledged the dessert that brought the most money during the live auction. Hungry Bear Café took home both the “Best of Sugarfest” and “Rollin’ in the Dough” awards in the professional division for their Mountain Dew Cake while Apple Barn Winery captured both titles in the non-professional category for their Oreo Mint Truffles with Blueberry Port.
Sugarfest sponsors included the Sevierville Civic Center, River Plantation Conference Center and Thompson Carr Auctions. Sugarfest vendors included: The Diner, Apple Barn Winery, The Gray House Bed & Breakfast, Tennessee State Bank, Love at First Bite, Hungry Bear Café, Smoky Mountain Cheesecake Café, Hard Rock Café, Center Plate, The Tin Roof Café, Cruise Farms and Taste of Tennessee.
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is already making plans for Sugarfest 2012 and believes it will become an important and fun annual event for area businesses and residents.
