Every wonder what a Smash Burger tastes like? How about a sub from Boardwalk Subs? Or just curious about what food items Celebration! Cinema has to offer?

Thursday, March 3, area residents will have the opportunity to find out as the Kentwood Park and Recreation Department hosts its 15th Annual Taste of Kentwood at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

“It is a nice opportunity to sample several different offerings from various local places,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

This year, about 13 restaurants from the Kentwood area will participate. Each restaurant brings in samples of some of its well-known food items. Participants sign up for one of the two sessions, 4:30 – 6 p.m. or 6:30 – 8 p.m., and during the session go from table-to-table trying the various foods.

“There will be a nice variety from soup, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, curry dishes and Mexican food,” Barbrick said. There are about 13 restaurants participating in this year’s event. Those restaurants include Peppino’s Grille and Pizzeria, Zoup!, Bloop Frozen Yogurt, Rak Thai, Pizza Ranch, Smash Burger, Jet’s Pizza, Potbelly, On the Border, Boardwalk Subs, Dave & Buster’s and Celebration! Cinema.

The annual event, which is marking its 15th year this year, is quite popular, bringing in about 500 people to the 2015 event, according to Barbrick. On average, Taste of Kentwood raises about $3,000 – this includes money from a silent auction – which is used to provide scholarships to programs at the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

Tickets for the event are$5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children 5 & under are free. For more information or other City of Kentwood Park and Recreation programs, visit the department’s website.