Annual Taste of the Basin draws a crowd
Mike Scellick of Ephrata makes his way through the crowd at the annual Taste of the Basin dinner and auction Saturday.
EPHRATA - Old hats and first-timers gathered for the annual Taste of the Basin.
The walls of St. Rose of Lima school gym were lined with wine and beer tasting tents, silent auction items, and food during the evening event.
Among the first-time attendees were Jessica and Kyle Aloysius of Ephrata.
"We're guests of Washington Trust Bank," Kyle said.
The couple were looking at silent auction items and debating whether or not to bid on items for their children.
"We need toys before our kids do," Jessica said.
Kyle gestured to a small print of the 2011 Basin Summer Sounds poster and said it looked like an interesting item.
The poster was revealed at the event before the live auction began, as were the names of the Ephrata Citizen of the Year and the Ephrata Business of the Year.
Mike Donovan was given the title of citizen of the year and uttered a curse when he realized the honor was going to him.
"I'm so humbled," Donovan said during his brief acceptance speech. "I just love this community."
Donovan was visibly moved by receiving the award and laughingly said he had not planned to attend Saturday's event.
"This is a great community to live in. If you don't think so, you're full of stuff, I'll tell you what," Donovan said.
Mike Scellick, of Sole Performance shoe and athletic clothing store, received the honor for business of the year award.
"Everybody has supported me through the years," Scellick said. "I appreciate your support because, without you guys, I wouldn't be here."
Pam Leseman, Ephrata Chamber of Commerce board member, said she was happy to help organize Taste of the Basin.
"I hope we raise $20,000," Leseman said. She noted the funds raised during the live and silent auctions, as well as through ticket sales, go to help the chamber organize events like the annual fun run and Fall Fling.
Alan Troupe, of Ephrata and an Ephrata Chamber of Commerce board member, said he had been attending Taste of the Basin for four years and had enjoyed each event.
"The best part? All the fun, the food, the wine tasting, the auction," Troupe said. "All of it, really."