If you’re looking for a way to try out the best in local cuisine this weekend, and raise money for children at the same time, now’s your chance.

  The 18th annual Taste of Henry is slated for Friday, from 6-9 p.m., inside the Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park in McDonough. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and over, $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for kids age 2 and under.

  The admission fee is also good for entrance to a children’s area sponsored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

  More than 25 vendors have signed on to participate in the event. Among them is Monterey Thompson, co-owner of The Front Porch on John Frank Ward Blvd., in McDonough.

  She said the eatery, previously named the Thompson Market, will make its ninth straight appearance serving tomato sandwiches at Taste of Henry.

  “This year we will be joined by the ladies of the McDonough Junior Women’s Club, who will be celebrating 30 years of serving our tomato sandwiches at The Geranium Festival,” said Thompson.

  She said her continued participation in Taste of Henry stems from her loyal support of the mission at A Friend’s House.

  “This is year nine for me, but this will be the first year for my business partners, Marty and Karen Maddox,” said Thompson. “A Friend’s House serves such a vital need for our community, and this is just an easy way to give back. It’s a great event. Taste of Henry is always fun, benefits a worthy cause, and we still get to get out and socialize and try all the hot new restaurants in town.”

  Taste of Henry is an annual fundraiser for A Friend’s House, a group home for abused, neglected or abandoned children. Angie Beaver is the operations manager of A Friend’s House. She said Taste of Henry is a crucial element in the shelter continuing to serve the community.

  “This is one of our main fundraising events of the year,” said Beaver. “It’s actually put on by A Friend’s House with Piedmont Henry Hospital being the presenting sponsor. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to A Friend’s House to help fund children’s therapy, medical needs and educational needs.”

  Children at A Friend’s House are those who have been removed by the Department of Family and Children Services because of abuse and neglect. Some of those kids, added Beaver, have been at the shelter for as long as two years.

  “This event not only provides funding for us, but it provides awareness to the community as well,” she continued. “Many people don’t realize that we do have children who are in a homeless situation within our own community, who have no one else to turn to. We provide a home for them.”

  Macon Street Tacos, at 16 Macon St., in McDonough, will participate in Taste of Henry for the first time this year. Owner Katy Bell said her restaurant will offer samplings of pork with pineapple salsa, and other possible items as well.

  “We’re still kicking around either the roasted corn or our house-made black beans,” she said.

  Bell has been in business on the McDonough Square since August of 2018. She said she’s excited about taking part in Taste of Henry as a vendor, for the first time.

  “It’s a bit intimidating, it’s a bit overwhelming, it’s a lot exciting,” said Bell. “Opening a restaurant had been a desire for a long time. We wanted to be involved and a part of a community, which is why we chose the historic McDonough Square. Part of a being an active member of a community is, you need to get involved. What a great way to get involved by participating in Taste of Henry, and more importantly, being able to contribute to A Friend’s House.”

  Taco Mac of McDonough, at 1300 Ga. Highway 20 West, will also be a vendor for the first time at this year’s Taste of Henry. The restaurant’s General Manager, Ken Hall, gave a mouth-watering glimpse into the offerings he will have ready for the occasion.

  “We’re known for our award-winning wings,” he said. “We’re going to have four of our signature sauces, and maybe some carrots and celery to complement it.”

  Hall had wanted to be a vendor in last year’s Taste of Henry but missed the deadline to sign up at the time. He said he jumped at the chance to be a part of it this year, because he identifies closely with kids at A Friend’s House.

  “I was a child who was adopted from birth,” said Hall. “It’s for a good cause and good community involvement. A lot of times, so many people are connected to so many things. It’s great to come together for a common cause or a common goal.”   For tickets and more information, visit www.tasteofhenry.org.