Tastefest on Oct. 19 is one of biggest fund-raisers for Boosters

The Huron Valley Lakeland High School football team will be battling rival Huron Valley Milford High School on Friday, Oct. 19, and to celebrate the highly anticipated game, the 10th annual Tastefest will be held from 5 p.m. through halftime during the event at Lakeland High School.

“We’re old rivals and equally matched, so it should be a competitive game,” said Lakeland Athletic Director Greg Michaels. “Hopefully it will place us in the (state) playoffs by a win against Milford.”

The Tastefest event will feature over 10 vendors in the cafeteria who showcase their specialties for a smorgasbord of delectable fare.

“We avoid an overlap in foods,” Michaels said.

Some of this year’s vendors include 59 West; Leo’s Coney Island in White Lake Township; Dave & Amy’s; Highland House; Buffalo Wild Wings in Waterford Township; Quiznos; One Sweet Bakery; MVP; the Comeback Inn; and Picasso of Pizza.

Biggby Coffee, Pomodoro, and Sparky’s may join the list, but have not been confirmed.

Water, soda, and Gatorade will be sold by parent volunteers at the concession stands.

Ten food tickets cost $5. Each item is priced according to the vendor.

Szott M-59 Chrysler Jeep, a long-time supporter of Huron Valley Lakeland athletics, will be displaying cars and donating money throughout the evening.

“For every vehicle that is test driven, they donate $20 directly to the Athletic Program, whereas Tastefest proceeds go toward the Boosters,” said Laura Lonergan, who co-chairs the Tastefest event.

Fifty-percent of Tastefest proceeds benefit the Lakeland Athletics Booster club.

“The money goes into the general fund of the athletics Booster’s account and is divided among our teams based on a formula,” Michaels said.

The event typically rakes in between $3,000 and $5,500, depending on the team Huron Valley Lakeland is playing during the event, and weather conditions.

“This is one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year and it benefits (us) two-fold — we make some money, but it also connects our community to our school,” Michaels said.

“This is the big one, our main fund-raiser,” Longergan said. “This year we hope to get inter-district rivalry. We are also advertising more, so we expect a fairly good crowd — we usually do against Milford.”

During the game, Huron Valley Lakeland will also be bidding farewell to its senior football players.