Get ready to savor the joy of cooking through the second annual Taste of Home Cooking School, an experience that will leave your hands full of goodies and mouths salivating for some of the delicious food prepared right in front of you.

Sandra Hurley, the publisher of The Sampson Independent, stated that this year’s event is geared to be an even bigger one than last year.

“We are expecting at least 70 prizes,” said Hurley, who noted how each of the 20 vendors will each have their own prizes during the fun evening. Included in some of the prizes to be given out during the event are 20 bags of groceries, and $500 shopping spree at Baggett’s Jewelry and much more.

While everyone comes to have a good time watching food being prepared, it is also a way to get the word out about what some of our local businesses have to offer.

“It helps businesses, and it gives them an opportunity to show the goods they have,” Hurley commented.

She also stated that the cooking show reaches an audience that isn’t normally focused on as much.

“We have sports that reach our dominantly male audience, and we have our Faith and Family that reaches out to the faith community, and this goes with our lifestyles section,” Hurley stated.

With that in mind, she does emphasize that this event is family friendly.

“It is a fun night and you can get some great cooking tips and lots of prizes,” said Hurley.

While a significant number will be walking home with prizes, no one will leave empty handed.

“Goody bags will be available to all who attend,” said Hurley. Some of the items included in the bags will be cookbooks with prize winning recipes.

There will be some differences from last year’s show. For example, there will be more concessions offered to the people, and the vendors will be located in Heritage Hall of Sampson Agri-Expo Center with the show taking place next door in the Prestage Hall section of the Expo Center, leaving more room for guests to enjoy walking around and looking at what all the vendors have in store.

In addition, Hurley is hoping to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims through this year’s cooking show.

She is asking all guests coming to bring canned goods, non perishable food items and paper products to the show to be given to the local domestic violence shelter U Care. Anyone who brings in an item, will have their name put in for a drawing for a prize.

For those interested in purchasing a ticket, the cost for tickets is $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $20 for a limited section. Tickets can be purchased at The Sampson Independent, Piggly Wiggly at Jordan and Shamrock Center, Matthews Gifts and Baggett’s Jewelry.

Hurley encourages everyone to go ahead and get tickets, noting that last year’s event did sell out.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at the Sampson Agri-Expo Center, and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.