Mid-Columbia Health hosts annual Gourmet Gala on April 5

"Not only will attendees enjoy a memorable evening of culinary art and live music, but they will also be supporting our efforts to assist non-profit organizations and individuals with projects that improve the health of those in our communities," said Karen Knoll, special project coordinator for the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation.

Participants in the 2003 Gourmet Fare include Widmer Brewing Company, Casa El Mirador, Maryhill Winery, 9th Street Sugarbowl, Class Act Catering and Café, Annz Panz and Flerchinger Vineyards, to name a few. In addition, The Dalles' newest restaurant, Romul's, will be tempting palates with antipasto and dessert.

Although food is the focus of the Gourmet Fare, there will be plenty of entertainment, with a little something for everyone. Rob Neuberger and Mark Reynolds will play acoustic guitars in the upstairs ballroom from 6 to 8 p.m. and concert pianist Craig Jones will accompany the dinner downstairs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year's headliner is Rubberneck, a Latin-influenced funk band out of Portland, who will take the stage from 8 to 11 p.m.

Tickets to this year's Gourmet Fare are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce and Klindt's Book Sellers in The Dalles and Waucoma Bookstore and Annz Panz in Hood River.

For more information on the 2003 Gourmet Fare or to learn how you can support the Mid-Columbia Medical Center Health Foundation, contact Karen Knoll at (541) 296-7275.