Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Taste of Northwoods raises money for Mercer students

MERCER, Wis. - Some of the best culinary talents in the region put their skills to the test Sunday at the Taste of the Northwoods fundraiser at the Mercer Community Center.

The event, in its fifth year, was a fundraiser for the Mercer Education Foundation.

"All proceeds from both of our annual fundraisers go to support teacher grants over at the Mercer School, and also senior scholarships," said foundation president Jama Boes.

"(Teacher grants) are items that are not in the typical school budget," Boes said. "So, for instance, the robotics team was here and we've helped sponsor them. We've also recently bought 10 bicycles for the school. Over the years we've done cross country skis, snowshoes, we have funded many AP trips, we've bought a 3D printer for the school."

More than 100 people attending the event, according to organizers, sampling a variety of dishes from seven businesses in the area.

The competitors, who came from Ironwood, Mercer and Manitowish Waters, vied to be the most popular dish - winning the People's Choice award.

Ultimately, the Aberdeen Restaurant and Bar's combination of a smoked salmon dip on crostini appetizer with a dish of fried walleye on a bed of Spanish rice with a mild jalapeno cream sauce took the trophy back to Manitowish Waters.

Along with the food, the event featured a variety of raffled goods and Steve Swaive played music.

Since its creation in 2006, Boes said the foundation has given more than $65,000 in teacher grants and $42,000 in scholarships.

With the taste event complete, Boes is gearing up for the foundation's other annual fundraiser, the Mardi Gras party at the Pines July 28.

 
 
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