Hullabowloo heats up this weekend - Jan. 18

photo Miki Boni, foreground, paints a bowl in the craft area where guests could make bowls that will be handed out to next year's HullaBowloo guests.

Tasty bites from 10 local restaurants and chefs are among the highlights of Hullabowloo, the signature fundraiser for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, set for 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Track 29, 1400 Market St.

How tasty? Organizers of the annual event predict: "Your New Year's [diet] resolutions might be in jeopardy."

The menu will include a Southern-style grits bar, braised beef, jambalaya, artisan cheeses, Cajun chicken alfredo and caramel pecan brownies.

Among those taking part are 1885 Grill, Link Forty-One, Southern Star, Marco's Italian Bistro, Stone Cup Cafe and Whole Foods Market. Athens Distributing will offer a moonshine tasting.

Track 29 will be transformed into a festive, urban scene, and attendees will roam the "streets" to partake in the food, drink and entertainment. There's even a bowl-making station to craft a memento from the evening.

Local buskers will begin their performances at 7 p.m., to be followed by '80s cover band Rubik's Groove at 9 p.m. Other entertainment will include juggling, Hula Hoops and magic.

Some of this year's live auction items include a week's beach house rental in Santa Rosa, Fla., a Riverbend VIP package, a 20-person Track 29 VIP package and golf for four in Sewanee, Tenn., with dinner at Ivy Wild.

Tickets are $75. Online purchases at www.track29.co will have an $8 convenience fee. To avoid the fee, tickets may be purchased in person at the Food Bank, 2009 Curtain Pole Road, or by calling 423-622-1800.

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