By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

While the original incarnation of Taste of B’ville fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic, the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce has reworked the event as a weeklong, socially distant celebration of local food and drink. The Taste of B’ville FAB (Food and Beverage) Fest takes place Sept. 22 through 27.

FAB Fest, sponsored by Marathon Energy, features a social media contest with chances to win gift cards to your favorite Baldwinsville eateries. Entering the contest is as easy as snapping a selfie.

First, make sure you are following Taste of B’ville and your chosen businesses on Instagram and/or Facebook. The next time you dine in or order takeout at a participating business, take a photo of yourself with the food or beverage at that location, then post on Facebook and/or Instagram, tagging the photo with the location and #tasteofbville.

Entries are limited to one entry per person, per location, per date. A random number generator will be used to choose winners from both Facebook and Instagram. First prize is a $100 gift card to the participating location of the winner’s choice. Second place, for which three winners will be chosen, will receive a $50 gift card to a participating establishment of the winner’s choice. Third place will get you a $25 gift card to a participating location, determined at random.

The participating location with the most tags will be designated the ToB FAB Fest People’s Choice.

GBCC Executive Director MaryAnne Williams said FAB Fest is a way to encourage support for local businesses.

“I suspect that many people think that because businesses are open, they are in the clear and doing well. Businesses are by no means out of the COVID woods, and we all have to continue to support them in any way we can. Support local businesses and organizations today so they are here tomorrow,” she said.

Williams reminds patrons to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines as mandated by state and local government as well as each individual business’ policies.

“Wear a mask, maintain the required distance, wait outside if necessary, use hand sanitizer if requested. Do not put a B’ville business or organization in jeopardy because you don’t want to follow the guidelines,” she said. “Be kind. Business owners and staff didn’t ask to be put in this position, and it frustrates them to have to ask patrons to follow the guidelines. These businesses are doing their best to keep afloat, and venting frustration to owners and staff over situations they can’t control or refusing to follow guidelines is unfair and rude.”

Williams said she is “amazed and impressed” by the adaptability businesses have shown during the pandemic.

“No one had the luxury of time; they just charged forward and did what they had to do. And nothing communicates optimism and confidence like starting a new business during a pandemic, and we had several open in Baldwinsville,” she said.

The chamber, Williams said, fosters a spirit of collaboration and support among businesses and organizations in Baldwinsville.

“Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce membership consists of individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups, and other organizations, and it is heartening to see these entities cooperating to try and keep everyone and everything afloat,” she said. “I am always particularly impressed by the businesses that collaborate with their competitors. They understand that by working together, they all benefit.”

Visit facebook.com/tastebville or instagram.com/tasteofbville for more information.