A large crowd gathered Monday evening at the Baxter County Fairgrounds for the 16th Annual Taste of the Twin Lakes, a culinary competition and fundraising event hosted by Serenity Inc. The evening brought together local restaurants to showcase their best dishes while supporting the organization’s mission to provide resources and shelter for domestic violence survivors.
Say Cheese took home the top prize in the People’s Choice Award category, with Kona Grill earning second place. The People’s Choice Best Booth award went to Rapp’s Barren, followed by Holy Smokes in second place.
Recognition for Best Appetizer was awarded to Ozark Fork and Cork, with Holy Smokes securing the second spot in the category. Spring House Restaurant won the Best Entrée category, with Rapp’s Barren as the runner-up. In the Best Dessert category, Rapp’s Barren claimed first place, with Ozark Fork and Cork in second.
Special awards were also presented during the evening. Sandy Erickson was honored with the Serenity Inc. Dedicated Service Award for her 23 years of contributions to the organization. Pat Jasper was named the Serenity Inc. Volunteer of the Year.
A new honor, the Heart of Serenity Award, was introduced this year and presented to Bass Cat, recognizing the company for its extraordinary contributions to the organization. In a statement, Serenity Inc. thanked Bass Cat for its generosity and commitment, stating, 'Your kindness has transformed more than a building – it has touched countless lives.'
Taste of the Twin Lakes raises critical funds to support Serenity Inc.’s services, which aim to provide safety, comfort, and hope to those in need while fostering strong connections with the local business community.