Mansfield Crossing will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Oktoberfest. The program will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Click here to see last year's event.

The popular Oktoberfest program brings together dozens of local restaurants and food service providers in one place to share savory samplings of their most requested menu items. Among last year’s offerings were appetizers and hors d’oeuvres such as Chicken Paella with lemon scented rice, sweet red peppers, artichoke hearts and tomatoes and lobster bisque and bourbon chicken. In addition, two massage therapists from Wicked Good Chiropractic of Mansfield will provide on-site chair massages, and local musicians will provide background music.

The 2012 Oktoberfest is about more than filling one’s plate with delicious dining options. Proceeds from the event benefit food pantries in the Tri-Town’s communities of Foxboro, Mansfield and Norton, including Discretionary Fund, Foxboro, Our Daily Bread, Mansfield and Cupboard of Kindness, Norton. In the past, Oktoberfest has provided substantial financial support to these organizations and organizers hope to be able to do so again.

“To date, this event has raised over $24,000 for the food pantries,” said Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce executive director Kara Griffin. “We are excited to be able to offer this program again this year with support from our generous sponsors, Covidien and Mansfield Crossing. Oktoberfest provides a great way to mingle with friends and friends while enjoying delicious food tastings and assisting local families in need. We hope everyone will come out to support this important community event." 

We are still securing restaurants, however some of the participating restaurants for 2012 include:

•Alberto's Pub & Pizza, Norton

•Antonia's Deli, Foxborough

•Asia Grill and Sushi Restaurant, Mansfield

•Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, Mansfield

•Edible Arrangements, Foxborough

•Natures Spring Water

•Panera Bread, Plainville

•Pikes Peak Mining Company, Mansfield

•Trinity Bar and Restaurant, Norton

Advance tickets to Oktoberfest can be purchased with a credit card by phoning the Tri-Town Chamber at 508-339-5655. Tickets also may be purchased at the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, 280 School St., Mansfield, Mansfield Bank, 80 N. Main Street, Mansfield, or Sharon Credit Union 121 Main St. (Chestnut Green), Foxborough. Checks may be made payable to Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. Credit cards payments are accepted through the Chamber only.

For more information call 508-339-5655 or email edirector@tri-townchamber.org.