The 3rd Annual Taste of East Cobb will be Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Merchants Walk, off Johnson Ferry Road. In addition to the food and fun, the family festival has outdoor entertainment all day. “With dozens of restaurants dishing up their treats, artisans displaying their crafts, face painting, a children’s area and much more, any “taster” is going to have a great time,” festival coordinator Dean Morris said. “We are very excited about ournew venue at Merchants Walk. This gives us the room to stretch our elbows with ample parking and shopping nearby.”

Live bands perform free concerts throughout the day at the center of the festival and include many local talents.

Admission to this fun event is free and is a project of the Walton Band and Orchestra Parents Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tastes, which range from Italian to seafood, steak, BBQ and desserts are from $1 to $3 and can be purchased the day of the festival or in advance at "Taste of East Cobb is a terrific and entertaining way to sample the fare of a variety of areas finest restaurants," Dean said. "Festival goers can spend some wonderful family time enjoying the food and music."

Ample free parking is available at Merchants Walk, with easy access to nearby ATMs.

For more information and directions, visit www.tasteofeastcobb.com