SALEM — Tickets for the 2024 Downtown Dining Experience sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce are on sale now.
This year’s event is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 and will feature offerings from 14 businesses across 11 locations downtown. Tickets for this year’s event are $45 and can be purchased in person at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 210 E. State St., and the United Way Agencies of Columbiana County. New this year, tickets can also be purchased online from the Chamber of Commerce’ website by selecting the Downtown Dining Experience listing from the calendar of events tab. Those who purchase their tickets online must pick up their physical ticket from the chamber office.
Proceeds from the event will once again support the United Way, making their outreach and support services such as their 24-hour crisis line, an emergency 30- to 60-day shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, case management, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, emergency financial assistance, on-site counseling, and outreach and education to schools, churches, and service clubs. Since its inception the Downtown Dining Experience has raised over $30,000 for the United Way.
“We are grateful for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual sponsorship of Downtown Dining. It is a win-win for everyone. Participants enjoy marvelous food; restaurants proudly showcase their specialties; and Troll’s warmly welcomes everyone to stop and view the jewelry item donated for the diamond raffle,” said United Way Executive Director George W.S. Hays. “The community wins because United Way works with our neighbors to strengthen local resilience, advance health, youth opportunity, and financial stability for all. Together, we take action to create a future where everyone, everywhere, can reach their full potential, achieve success, and thrive.”
All participants will fill out and turn in their ticket stub to the chamber office by 8 p.m. Sept. 17 to be entered for a chance to win a 14-karat white gold fashion necklace with diamonds, (a value of $900) generously donated by Troll’s Jewelry. The back of each ticket will also include a suggested order to rotate through the participating businesses in 15-minute intervals to ensure everyone is able to enjoy each stop in a timely fashion while limiting overcrowding. Participants are also encouraged to vote for their favorite restaurant in six categories including: best presentation, best savory, best sweet, favorite food, favorite stop, and most unusual. As in years past there will also be raffle tickets available at each stop during the event at an additional cost of $5 for six tickets; however, new this year, rather than gift card prizes there will be drawings for cash prizes of $500, $200 and $100 donated by the United Way Agencies. This will also be the second year that the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area will be in effect for the event.
This year’s event includes several returning favorites including Jalisco’s, Heggy’s Confectionary and Ezio’s Italian Restaurant, as well as downtown businesses participating for the first time such as Salty Mama’s Snacking Boards. This year’s event will also see the return of EuroGyro and Mike’s Penn Ave Grill.
“After a few years’ hiatus EuroGyro and Mike’s Penn Grille are returning for this year’s event,” said Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lori Jewell.
All participating businesses will have a checkered flag to identify them and will receive a commemorative chef hat.
This year’s event will include: fajitas, quesadillas and rice by Jalisco’s in the Chamber office; penne pasta, Italian fries and stromboli by Ezio’s Italian Restaurant; honey ricotta peach crostinis with crispy pancetta by Salty Mama’s in Troll’s Jewelry; crab stuffed grouper bites and chicken calabrese by Mike’s Penn Ave Grille; gyro burgers, caprese chicken sliders, shrimp tacos, buffalo chicken dip and apple cider sangria by Coaches Burger Bar; macarons and brownie bites by Bake Me Treats; a house sipper in a choice of three flavors including “Orange Cream Freeze,” a “Brambling Problem” blackberry sipper, and a “Happy Camper” sipper by Kast Iron Soda Works; chicken salad on mini croissants and an angel food cake pudding and fruit truffle by Affordable Catering & BBQ in Kast Iron Soda Works; and a home-made hot fudge sundae by Heggy’s Confectionary.
Offerings by BB Rooners, Euro Gyro, Troll’s Jewelry, LiB’s Market, and Oasis Indoor Golf & Sports Bar in Keller Williams Chervenic Realty, have yet to be announced.
“Since Downtown Dining Experience began in 2017, it has made a meaningful impact by raising over $30,000 for United Way. With 11 exciting stops and 14 participating businesses, this event celebrates our local dining options and stands as a testament to our community’s generosity,” said Jewell. “With Troll’s Jewlery donating a diamond necklace for raffle and being open for shopping, the Downtown Dining Experience demonstrates the power of restaurants and businesses coming together for a great cause. Because the chamber’s mission is to serve as the catalyst that creates the best possible environment for business, we’re proud to support this fundraiser that strengthens both our local economy and our community.”