THOMASTON — Let’s see, is it right in the Cheap Dates price range? Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for Know Museum members.

Check.

Is it food and alcohol centered? Check.

Is it a great place to bring a pal or a “special friend?” Okay, you get it.

This Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the General Henry Knox Museum is throwing its second annual Taste of Thomaston, a food and wine tasting festival, with 40+ vendors, live music, buggy rides and artisans.

Last year’s inaugural event was a blow-out, so the organizers are getting ready for it.

“Last year, we expected 200-300 people and we got close to 500,” said Tobin Malone, executive director of the Knox Museum. ”So this year we’ve added an extra tent and we’re planning on 500-600 people.”

This year’s event brings back some of the chefs and vendors from last year and some new ones as well.

When you buy a ticket, you’ll be given a special wine glass and follow the flow of people traffic all along the booths that will be set up under the tents. “You’ll just proceed from table to table,” said Malone. “You’ll get a sip here and bite here and a bowl here and plate there until you’ve tasted everything and come out the other side.” 

Some of the premier local chefs contributing some of their signature dishes include Melissa Kelly of Primo Restaurant, Kerry Altiero of Café Miranda, Scott Yakavenko of The Slipway and Manuel Mercier of The Youngtown Inn.

Molly Sholes of Spruce Mountain Blueberries, Elaine Waldron of Hootin Gluten Free Bakery, Nancy and Pat O'Brien of Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, Sean and Tracey Beaudry from The Highlands Coffee House, Ryan Jones from Thomaston Café and Bakery, among many others, will also be on hand to share their unique creations.

Additional specialty local products will be available for tasting from the likes of Terra Optima Farm Market, State of Maine Cheese Company, 3 Dogs Café & Sweet Sensations, and Maine Street Meats. Thomaston Farmers Market will relocate to Montpelier's grounds for the festival.

And the price of admission gets you more than wine, apparently. The festival will be serving wine from Cellardoor Winery, Sweetgrass Farm Winery, Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery, and Breakwater Vineyards as well as brews from Andrew's Brewing Company and Cold River Vodka.

As for music and other “things to do” while there, there will be live jazz by Bel Isle Trio, and horse and buggy rides around the grounds with Crystal Daggett and her prize horse, Romeo. So, even if kids aren’t allowed in the tent, there will still be a few things to entertain them on the grounds. New this year will be jewelry and art on display in booths outside the tent. “We’re trying to open up more non-food booths,” said Malone.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be a beautiful day on Saturday, in the 60s and sunny, so we’re excited,” said Malone. there you go! Perfect date.

Tickets can be bought in advance at knoxmuseum.org; or $15/$12 at the door. Rain or shine. Must be 21 to enter the tents. FMI 354-8062.