The 3rd annual Wiscasset Area Chamber Battle of the Boards is Saturday, Sept. 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maine Tasting Center, 508 Old Bath Road, Wiscasset. Come join us for an evening of food, fun and frolic and, as a contestant, be as creative as you like!

For years, if you entertained at home, you probably assembled some type of tray with an assortment of crackers, cheese, meats and accompaniments to serve your guests. I don’t recall the term “charcuterie” but that is in fact what it was! In more recent times, it has become an art form as well as a frequent menu item at many culinary venues. Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce is treating local foodies to an evening of food and fun at their 3rd Battle of the Boards event.

Tickets are $20 per person and include samples of the boards, a cash bar and a variety of vendors/demonstrators. Cost to compete for chamber members is $30, non-members is $45. Boards will be judged on Taste, Originality/creativity, and Appearance/presentation. Please see contest info at: https://wiscassetchamber.com/botb-contest-rules/

If you enjoy entertaining, show off your talents here. And Maine Tasting Center is offering a class in Perfectly Paired: A Sip & Style Experience with Maple & Honey Boards, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m., for those who might like to learn a little more about assembling a lovely charcuterie board!

Cheryl “Shep” Rust, who for 40 years owned Le Garage Restaurant in Wiscasset, is one of three judges this year. She devoted herself not just to Le Garage, but also to the community and the state, volunteering many hours on various committees and non-profit organizations. She has received recognition many times for her contributions. We look forward to her expertise in the culinary field!

Mike Urban, our second judge, is a New England-based food and travel writer, book publisher and the author of several books on New England cuisine: Clam Shacks, Lobster Shacks, The New England Diner Cookbook, The New England Seafood Markets Cookbook and Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine. He is a regular food writer for Yankee magazine. He has been covering the Maine food scene for more than a decade through his writings and personal appearances. We are pleased to have a third judge join us this year, John Toumanides, manager of Seabasket Restaurant, and dedicated foodie! Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place and a People’s Choice award. The deadline for contestants is Sept. 16, so please register today. Contact the chamber at 207-882-9600 or go to https://wiscassetchamber.com/battle-of-the-boards/

If you would like to be a sponsor for this wonderful event, please contact the chamber office or https://wiscassetchamber.com/2025-battle-of-the-boards-sponsorship-form/