Local food and wine fest named one of Southeast's top events

The third annual BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival, scheduled for Feb. 28 through March 2, 2008, has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 events for the month of February 2008.

To be considered for the award, the event had to be in at least its third year and have attendance of at least 1,000. The society also considered economic impact on the community, community involvement, whether the event was unique and if it had won other awards.

This year's festival, held in March, was recognized for highlighting Charleston as a culinary destination. More than 14,000 visitors attended the four-day fête, whose total ticket sales exceeded $462,000. Festival organizers donated $20,000 to charities and local culinary scholarships.

Highlights of the annual festival include a Culinary Village in downtown Charleston's Marion Square, featuring two large tasting tents, culinary competitions and cooking demonstrations. A few of the many other events include the Celebration of Charleston Chefs Opening Night Party, the King Street Sip & Stroll and the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch.

Recognition of the festival by the tourism society includes publicity in more than 800 newspapers and magazines, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Publicity on radio and TV stations will include the New Orleans-based radio show "Travel Talk Radio."

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, held in Charleston each February, also made the tourism society's Top 20 list for the month.

as provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal