DOVER- So many great foods and restaurants are located right here in the Deerfield Valley, but does everyone really know what makes them so special? Who knew about the Matterhorn Inn’s Polish fare or the Nutmeg Inn’s baked goods? Or the Readsboro Inn’s black bean chili and creamy spinach and mushroom sauce? Did anyone know about the Sitzmark’s pan-seared tuna with seaweed salad and pickled ginger or maple barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches? How about Dot’s of Dover’s river ranch grilled meatloaf or berry crunch pancakes? Well, all of these restaurants feature these specials and a lot more.

This Saturday, Celebrate the Valley Inc., a local nonprofit, is hosting the fourth annual Taste of the Deerfield Valley. The Taste of the Valley features local restaurants, renowned chefs, demonstrations, and much more. Celebrate the Valley chairman Joe Kruzewski said it is important that the community knows about the area’s restaurants because they are important to the local economy. “There’s so many of us here. It’s about bringing people out and supporting our local businesses and restaurants,” said Kruzewski.

Kruzewski said Taste of the Valley has transformed into a popular social event. It now attracts locals, second-home owners, and visitors alike. Kruzewski said the weekend after Labor Day is an ideal time to host the event, as it is traditionally a down time in the area. Last year, Taste of the Valley drew close to 1,000 spectators and attracted visitors from far away as Keene, NH and Albany, NY. Kruzewski believes it has the potential to grow even more. “It’s about bringing people together. I think that’s our biggest accomplishment,” said Kruszewski.

Over a dozen restaurants are participating in this year’s Taste of the Valley, including Chopin at the Matterhorn Inn, Dos Gringos Mexican Restaurant, Dot’s of Dover, Harriman’s Restaurant, the Hermitage Inn, Maple Leaf Brewery, the Nutmeg Country Inn, Ravello’s Italian Restaurant, the Readsboro Inn, River Valley Market, The Roadhouse, the Sitzmark, and TC’s Restaurant, last year’s “Best Taste” winner. Honora Winery and Madison Brewery will offer wine and beer during the event.

Taste of the Valley will also feature live music, local crafters’ and artisans’ wares, and plenty of children’s activities. Participating crafters at this year’s Taste of the Valley are Claudette LeBrun, Dolores Alles, South Hill Quilts, Sheerness Wood Works, Komfy Kozy, Dutch Trader Ltd., and Christine Abraham Photography.

Cooking demonstrations also take place at Taste of the Valley. Jeff Collins, chef at the Inn at the White House, will demonstrate crepe-making, while Lonny Paige, of the Junior Iron Chef competition, will bring in several junior iron chefs from the Twin Valley Middle School. Paige said they will make four salsas: traditional, fall harvest, pineapple, and mango, and corn tortillas. He is excited about students demonstrating what they are cooking up in school and learning how to become award-winning cooks. “The Junior Iron Chef program has grown in leaps and bounds. We will teach kids about healthy foods and the simple ways they can prepare food,” said Paige.

Celebrate the Valley donates part of the proceeds to local charities and nonprofit organizations. This year, Taste of the Valley is partnering with the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry. There will be a food contest to find out which is more popular: fruits or vegetables. Votes are cast by donating canned fruit or vegetables and the winner will be announced at the Taste of the Valley event. Last year, Taste of the Valley donated enough bins of food to fill a MOOver bus. Event organizers hope to duplicate last year’s efforts. Theresa Lounsbury, chairman of the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, said the timing of Taste of the Valley couldn’t be any better. “The summer is not the best time for giving. This event will help us replenish our shelves as we approach the winter season,” said Lounsbury. “Celebrate the Valley is helping neighbors in need. It’s been a good match, especially this year.”

Tickets for the Taste of the Deerfield Valley event are $15 per adult. Young adults, ages 7 to 12, are $5, and children under 6 are free. For more information visit www.celebratethevalley.com.

Event location: Mount Snow base area