The Bite is back.

Celebrating its fifth year anniversary, the Mt. Hood Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Bite of Mt. Hood will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday,
April 12, at The Resort at the Mountain.

The evening celebration – run entirely by more than 50 volunteers and
businesses – features foods prepared by Mountain chefs with a silent and oral
auction under the direction of auctioneer Tom Anderson, plus entertainment
by Brady Goss. Tim Windell will act as master of ceremonies.

The signature event draws visitors from all over to support the local tourism-
based economy. Chamber President Coni Scott emphasized the importance of
the Chamber’s effort to promote and foster the community and businesses.
“Giving back to the community and developing tourism by giving funds back
includes a display monitor and kiosk at the USDA Forest Service for travelers
to the Mount Hood area,” Scott said.

Participation has quadrupled since its beginning in 2010, Scott noted, and
emphasized there will be much more seating available this year.

The 2014 Bite will include a booth by the boys and girls scouts where they will
sell bottled water.

“They will keep all the funds that they collect,” Scott said. “They are so
excited, as they need the money.”

Each year The Bite recognizes a local artist, and that goes to local
photographer and artist Gary Randall.

“I’m glad to have been selected,” Randall said. “I appreciate the recognition. I
feel I am an artist first and a photographer second, which in combination
allows me to create art with my camera.”

Randall will donate a 16-inch by 24-inch float mounted metal print of a moon
rise and Mount Hood from Lolo Pass, with a gallery value of $1,500.

“I seek sweet light during sunrises and sunsets, as well as clear starry night
skies to add to the beauty of my images,” he said. “My love of nature drives
my landscape photography, and I think that shows in my work.”

The Chamber funds many local needs, including: the development and
maintenance of the Welches School’s nature path; support of the Hoodland
Senior Center; an annual fundraising pancake breakfast; additional flooring to
add more beds for the Clackamas County Women’s Services; Mountain
Express bus services; and $1,000 in food to fill the pantry at the
Neighborhood Mission.