The Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bite of Mt. Hood has offered an
evening of some of the most fantastic fare since it began seven years ago. But
the event is not just about one night of nourishment, it also helps fill the food
pantry for Neighborhood Missions of the Hoodland Lutheran Church.

“They’ve done a tremendous job,” said Clarence Edelman, Chairperson of the
Neighborhood Missions, which also offers firewood and help with rent and
utility bills to locals in need. “Without all of that food, there would be times
that we’d be running very short.”

This year, The Bite features the theme “What fun looks like,” and will add a
little spice to the festivities with a new emcee, Helen Raptis, the host of
KATU’s AM Northwest, and entertainment by Tony Starlight, who performs
song parodies, pop icon impressions and pop culture tributes.

“I believe that when you do something, you have to expand the platform and
change it up,” said Coni Scott, president of the chamber. “You have to add
interest every year.”

Vendors at this year’s event feature some of the best in area cuisine, including
The Resort at The Mountain, The Shack, Hazelnut Bakery, Ivy Bear, The
Rendezvous, Dragon Fly, Whistle Stop, Skyway Bar and Grill and Busy Bee
Catering. Mt. Hood Brewing will be the newest addition to this year’s food
lineup.

Vendors will each offer a selection of small plates, with the menu expected to
include macaroni and cheese, Sicilian meatballs, a variety of salads, desserts,
pizza and two chowders, one with smoked sturgeon and another with
steelhead.

“I say it all the time when I’m visiting with my guests, that we have some of
the best selections of restaurants in the area,” Scott said. “They have a way
of expressing themselves through their food that I don’t see in other places.
I’m very proud to know all of them.”

The event will also feature an auction of donated items, ranging from gift
baskets and gift certificates to trips to the beach and artwork. Scott noted
they try to include items for all levels of budgets.

“We try to have a variety of things,” she said, adding the auction catalog is
made possible through advertisements and space is still available.
Another change in this year’s event is the flower arrangements on the tables
will not be auctioned, but instead given to seniors in need through the
Hoodland Senior Center. Scott noted a faith-based community group stepped
in to cover the cost of the flowers.

Scott added that the event is made possible thanks to all the volunteers who
help, which include a number of people who aren’t even members of the
chamber.

The Bite of Mt. Hood will be held from 5 p.m. to late Saturday, April 23, at
The Resort at The Mountain, 68010 E. Fairway Ave. in Welches. Admission is
$5.

For more information, please visit thebiteofmthood.com.