The Vernon Park Mall was the place for many to Live the Good Life on Tuesday.
The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual expo and food tasting event to rave reviews.
More than 90 vendors and exhibitors were represented, giving those who attended the event opportunities to see many different businesses and try some culinary delights.
“It’s cool to see what everyone has and have the opportunity to sample food,” PetSense cashier Summer Coble said.
For some vendors like Vanessa Gamboa — member service representative at Self Help Credit Union — the expo was helpful in getting her acclimated with residents of the city.
“I’ve only been in Kinston for a couple of months,” Gamboa said. “This has been a great way to meet new people and see what Kinston has to offer.”
Lenoir Community College freshman Taylor Cefalo felt the same way. Cefalo, a culinary student, had never been to the Vernon Park Mall before Tuesday’s event and was thankful for the ability to meet citizens with the rest of his class.
“It was a volunteer project and we were asked to make food,” Cefalo said. “With me not being from Kinston, I liked how this class came together and helped me get familiar with some of the people in the area.”
Tabitha Meready, owner of The Peppered Cupcake, said the event was beneficial with informing people about her business.
“It certainly gives us more exposure,” Meready said. “There are people here who have never heard of us. We do have a storefront and it gives the people a chance to know we are here in Kinston.”
Peach House baker Nina Peterson was excited about being able to give back to Kinston residents with free samples.
“The Peach House has been around for a while and it’s great to be in the community,” Peterson said. “The community has been very good to us and the expo allows us to showcase our Southern hometown cooking.”
The Heart Healthy Lenoir Project had a booth set up and provided those looking to live a healthier lifestyle some culinary alternatives. Dr. Thomas Keyserling, Professor of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill and one of the project leaders, provided information to the attendees.
“Heart Healthy Lenoir Project’s goal is to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in Lenoir County,” Keyserling said. “Here, we’ve shown foods that are healthy, tasty and easy to make.”
The Lenoir County SPCA was represented well at the expo, with a food drive, a center for dog and cat adoption and a rabies clinic.
“We like to be out in public and let people know these animals need help,” Lenoir County SPCA Board Member and volunteer Susan Picard said. “It’s good for the people to see happy, worthwhile adoptees.”
Former Kinston City Manager Ralph Clark, who is running for mayor, had a booth set up to inform attendees of his hopes to be elected.
“It’s a lot of exposure, with people coming from all over the city and county,” Clark said. “It’s a great place for people to see who I am.”
Incumbent mayor B.J. Murphy, who is looking to be reelected, didn’t have a booth, but attended for LegalShield. Murphy is an independent associate and group benefits specialist with the organization.
“The purpose of coming out here is to brand what the company is,” Murphy said. “It’s a service for attorney and quality wills as a monthly employee benefit.”
Kinston Public Safety Director Bill Johnson didn’t have a booth, but he still attended the expo to support his city.
“It’s nice to see what the community has to offer,” Johnson said. “It’s a great event, and it shows what Kinston brings to the table. Besides services, there were recreational vendors and businesses getting exposed.”
Kinston City Councilman Bobby Merritt came to catch up on the pulse of the city and sample culinary delights.
“It’s a great way to see what’s going on in Kinston and the food helps,” Merritt said.
Kinston resident Doris Powell said she came to the expo to have a great time.
“I came to have fun and enjoy the entertainment,” Powell said. “I’m 84 years old and it’s always nice to have a good place to go.”
Pat Rockenhauser came to the event with her husband, Rocky. Both Kinston residents are regular visitors to the expo.
“We’ve been to this every year and have enjoyed it each time,” Pat Rockenhauser said.
Steve Hardy, a legendary DJ with Classic Hits 107.9 WNCT, provided the entertainment for the event. He said the turnout was unquestionably better than the previous year.
“We’ve had some of the finest vendors and businesses I’ve seen, and there was plenty of variety,” Hardy said.
For Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce President Laura Lee Sylvester, the variety was very helpful in making the event a success.
“There (was) something for everyone and it’s the best way to show what Eastern North Carolina has to offer,” Sylvester said.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
And the winners are …
Here are the winners of the Culinary Challenge at the Living the Good Life event, held Tuesday at Vernon Park Mall:
Table/Booth presentation: 1. Select Food Service; 2. The Folded Napkin; 3. Our Picnic Basket
Appetizers: 1. Our Picnic Basket; 2. Ginger 108; 3. Select Food Service
Entrée: 1. Our Picnic Basket; 2. Kinstonian Family Buffet; 3. Select Food Service
Dessert: 1. Peppered Cupcake; 2. Brown’s Sweet Treats; 3. LCC Culinary School
Cake taste and texture: 1. Brown’s Sweet Treats
Incredible cake design: 1. Brown’s Sweet Treats; 2. Our Picnic Basket
Heart healthy dish: 1. The Peach House; 2. Queen St. Deli and Bakery; 3. Heart Healthy Lenoir
People’s choice: 1. LCC Culinary Arts; 2. Select Food Service; 3. The Folded Napkin