PITTSTON — If the first, second, third or fourth taste wasn’t enough, then the fifth might do the trick.

For the fifth straight year, Taste of Greater Pittston will invite patrons to sample food and wine from different areas of Luzerne County.

The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. in the John P. Cosgrove Center at the Pittston Memorial Library.

“It’s to bring people in and let caterers, restaurants, and bakeries have an opportunity to showcase their food and give a little sample,” said library director Patricia Joyce. “It’s also a fundraiser for the library.”

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All proceeds for the event go back into the library to help with day-to-day operations.

Caterers for the event include Kevin’s Bar & Restaurant from Kingston, Pittston Diner, Whiskey & Steak Catering of Exeter, JustFred Custom Catering of Pittston, Pittston Popcorn Co. of Pittston, Alpine Downtown Eatery from Wilkes-Barre, Peculiar Culinary Company of Avoca, Linden Tree Winery of Pittston, Bartolai Winery of Exeter Township, Susquehanna Brewing Co. of Pittston, and Paul Savakinas.

According to event coordinator Lisa Joyce, social media played a big role in seeking out caterers beyond Greater Pittston.

“I think it’s important to explore the various cuisines in the area,” she said. “When I say Greater Pittston I want to incorporate but not just limit it to Pittston restaurants.”

On top of the various foods and beverages to enjoy, there will be the annual wine making contest in which amateur or professional wine makers give out samples for judging.

The two categories are “Best Red Wine” and “Best White Wine.” Last year Linden Tree Winery won in the red wine competition and Paul Savakinas won in the white wine contest.

Lisa said there’s at least six competitors for each contest and the red wine contest attracts the most wine makers.

“The red wine is more of a competitive event, she said. “We get about six to eight homemade wine makers. Some bring both red and white and compete in both, but they usually surprise me that day.”

Along with the wine making competition is the craft brew competition in which amateur beer makers can bring in beers for sampling.

“The Susquehanna Brewing Company comes for that and brings some of their fall beers,” said Lisa. “Then, we have a couple amateurs that bring beers.”

With this being its fifth year, Lisa said the Taste of Greater Pittston event is beginning to take on a life of its own.

“It’s a pretty well-oiled machine,” she said. “We usually have a lot of vendors and homemade wine makers return, so it runs pretty smooth.”

Tickets for the event are $30 per person and can be purchased at the library in advance or at the door the day of the event.

“We’re always welcoming people at the door,” said Lisa. “Our goal this year is to reach 200 ticket sales.”

John Walsh, of Susquehanna Brewing Company, pours a Pumpkin Ale during the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_PSD091816Taste.jpg.optimal.jpgJohn Walsh, of Susquehanna Brewing Company, pours a Pumpkin Ale during the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston. Aimee Dilger File Photos | Sunday Dispatch

Gene Philbin of Peculiar Culinary Company hands Maria Capolarella-Montante a pulled pork with sriracha soy coleslaw taco at the Taste of Greater Pittston event in 2015.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_PSD091816Taste2.jpg.optimal.jpgGene Philbin of Peculiar Culinary Company hands Maria Capolarella-Montante a pulled pork with sriracha soy coleslaw taco at the Taste of Greater Pittston event in 2015. Aimee Dilger File Photos | Sunday Dispatch

Carmel Pecan Pumpkin Bars made by Purple Squirrel Pastry Co. were available to enjoy at the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_PSD091816Taste3.jpg.optimal.jpgCarmel Pecan Pumpkin Bars made by Purple Squirrel Pastry Co. were available to enjoy at the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston. Aimee Dilger File Photos | Sunday Dispatch

Casey Donahue, left, of Linden Tree Wine shows Ed and Monica Perry the wine making process during the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston event.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_PSD091816Taste4.jpg.optimal.jpgCasey Donahue, left, of Linden Tree Wine shows Ed and Monica Perry the wine making process during the 2015 Taste of Greater Pittston event. Aimee Dilger File Photos | Sunday Dispatch
Culinary event is a fundraiser for the Pittston Memorial Library

By Jimmy Fisher

jfisher@timesleader.com

Reach Jimmy Fisher at 570-704-3972 or on Twitter @SD_JimmyFisher