The entire community is invited to join together in beating the winter blues, supporting the community’s youth and joining the Waterford Coalition for Youth for the 16^th Annual Taste of Waterford on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 6-9 p.m. at the Oakland Schools Conference Center located at 2111 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford!  This premier community event promises family fun and entertainment for all ages as they experience the magic of Mardi Gras. The entire first floor of Oakland Schools will be transformed into this annual historical New Orleans festival.

Area culinary vendors, including Applebee’s, BD’s Mongolian Grill, Bryan’s Coney, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cooley Lake Inn, Culligan Water, Dave and Amy’s, Dorsey Culinary Academy, Downey’s Potato Chips, Downtown 51 Grille, Greek Jalapeno, Green Apple, Heroes, Irish Tavern, Jet’s Pizza, Key Largo, Leo’s Coney, Plaza Garabaldi, Rainforest Café, Red Lobster, Scott Lake Banquet Center, Senor Queso, So Thai, Starbuck’s, Waterford Coney, the Waterford School District Food Service Department and Wing Lauk  will be in attendance for guests to sample their finest cuisine. Guests will enjoy the music of the North Oakland Dixieland Band and watch in amazement as Detroit Circus / Flyhouse acrobatic artists dazzle with gravity defying cirque performances. Traveling Psychics’ Sherrie Ellen, is madam of the Michigan psychic party scene and will provide private readings into what the future holds for guests, while kids will enjoy Mardi Gras themed crafts, face painting and photo booth opportunities, complete with Mardi Gras props. In addition to a spectacular raffle/auction including everything from jewelry to sporting event tickets donated by generous community businesses, the evening also provides 50/50 opportunities and complimentary shuttle service, courtesy of EPC Events.  Each year the coalition honors a Citizen of the Year who has gone above and beyond in working to promote safety and health in the community’s youth and prizes for the best guest masks will be awarded.  Artbox Concepts will be giving away some free commemorative “Taste” t-shirts as well as having them available for sale that evening to benefit the coalition.  The event’s Royal Court sponsor for the evening is Genisys Credit Union.

Tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00 and tables of 8 can be reserved in advance. Order forms and more information about the event are available on the coalition’s website at www.wcfy.org Tickets can also be purchased online at www.wcfytaste2014.eventbrite.com and will be available at the door that evening at an increased price. To order tickets by mail, please send your check to: The Waterford Coalition for Youth, 5150 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI 48329.

The Waterford Coalition for Youth is a 501c3 non-profit which works to reduce substance abuse and high risk behaviors in the community’s youth. Critical topics such as underage drinking, prescription drug abuse, bullying, internet safety, suicide prevention and mental health awareness to name just a few are addressed. For questions, please contact the Coalition at 248-618-7424.