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Taste of Southern Illinois: Delightful food and a record-breaking fundraiser to boot

HARRISBURG - The premier and primary fundraiser for SI Clothes for Kids once again set a record, according to event organizers.

In its 20th year, the Taste of Southern Illinois is an annual showcase for area restaurants and wineries. It was founded by Harrisburg businessman Michael Tison.

In exchange for a ticket, those attending could sample fine fares from a wide variety of food and drink.

State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, who serves as the chairman of the board of the Fowler Bonan Foundation, which in turn sponsors SI Clothes for Kids, said this year set another record for donations.

Net proceeds were about $12,000 for the event. SI Clothes for Kids is an arm of the Fowler Bonan Foundation dedicated to providing clothing for southern Illinois children in need.

"To take time out of their business on a Sunday, one of their biggest days of the week, and provide excellent offerings for the people attending this event is quite a commitment," Fowler said. "And, of course, we couldn't do it without all of the fine folks who are in attendance here today."

Participating vendors were 17th Street Bar and Grill, 20's Hideout, Alto Pass Vineyards, Chocolate Factory, Flame Grill & Bar, Harrah's Metropolis, Johnson's Southern Style BBQ, Koerner Distributor Inc., Mackie's Pizza, Marion Red Lobster, Mary's Restaurant, Panera Bread, Peking Palace, Pepsi MidAmerica, Purple Toad Winery, Rare Chophouse, Tequila's Mexican Restaurant and Wooded Hills Bar & Grill.

State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, greets guests entering the Taste of Southern Illinois. The Taste event is the primary fundraiser for the Fowler Bonan SI Clothes for Kids clothing drive. Behind Fowler is Taste of SI founder Michael Tison of Harrisburg. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Jack Duran, kitchen manager for 20's Hideout of Marion, slices prime rib during the 20th Annual Taste of SI in Harrisburg Sunday. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Lylen Thai and Sandie Ingram of Peking Palace in Harrisburg prepare to serve samples at Taste of Southern Illinois Sunday in Harrisburg. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
At right, Linda Meherg (blue shirt) and Angela Bailey of the Chocolate Factory talk with Jeff and Nancy Thompson of Harrisburg. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Mackie's Pizza was one of several vendors providing samples for Taste of SI attendees. From left are Veronica Ozment, Hayley Kotner, Jarren Goldman, Sean Sloan and John McPeek. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Harrisburg Boy Scout Troop 23 volunteered their help at the 20th Annual Taste of Southern Illinois. From left are state Sen. Dale Fowler, Scout Master Rick Nelson, Wilson DeNeal, Roger Head, Scout leader Justin Fulkerson, David Mitchell, Scout leader Bob Dick and Taste of SI Founder Michael Tison. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Allen Dossey, right, owner of Purple Toad Winery, pours a glass of wine for Koerner Distributor Inc. rep Shannon Effron at the Taste of Southern Illinois Sunday in Harrisburg. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Angela Bailey, from the Chocolate Factory in Pope County, left, prepares to sample food from Wooded Hills of Harrisburg, while she talks with manager Owen Young, center, and Zaq Stevens. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
Jazz band "The Penguins," under the direction of Jim Smith on the keys, plays during the Taste of Southern Illinois Sunday in Harrisburg. The band features, from left, George Sisk, Smith, Melinda Tolley, Bruce Boone, and Greg Hodson. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register
"The Penguins" bandleader Jim Smith plays a melody while Melinda Tolley waits to sing Sunday at the Taste of Southern Illinois in Harrisburg. Travis DeNeal/Harrisburg Register