Corks & Forks, the annual fundraiser for the Decatur Area Arts Council, is getting a facelift of sorts for its 19th year. Scheduled for Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, this community favorite will remain at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel but will shift to the venue’s Holiday Hall. The move allows for a “more cohesive, all-in-one event,” according to Arts Council’s Executive Director Jerry Johnson.
“With this move we can bring all of our elements together, rather than splitting things into two separate rooms,” Johnson says.
Corks & Forks features participating restaurants and caterers offering up samples of their very best appetizers, entrees, and/or desserts; an expansive selection of wines from around the world, curated by Decanter Fine Wine & Spirits; and various raffles, games, and a sizeable silent auction.
Along with the new space is a new day for the popular Corks & Forks VIP dinner, which will take place a night earlier on Wednesday the 24th at 5:30pm. In years past, guests would walk directly from the VIP dinner to the main event. By dividing the two, Johnson says, “for the first time, guests will be able to fully experience all that Corks & Forks has to offer.”
This year’s VIP theme is “South American.” Inspired by Argentina and Chile, the five course meal from Executive Chef Rob Isom will be paired with regional wines selected and presented by Maverick Wine Company. Seating is limited.
This year’s Corks & Forks hosts are Matt & Natalie Beck, and Kay & Prasanna Gowdar.
Johnson says longtime fans should be ready for several additional tweaks and enhancements to this year’s event. “Our intent is to reinforce the parts of Corks & Forks that work while addressing the elements that are due for an update. It’s all in the name of presenting the best version of Corks & Forks we possibly can.”
Tickets go on sale Monday, March 11th via www.decaturarts.org or 217-423-3189. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. VIP event is $125, with only 50 tickets available. Guests receive a discount on any wines purchased at the event, with a portion of those sales further benefiting the Arts Council.
