Picture perfect weather is in the forecast for Saturday’s first-ever Taste of Highland County in uptown Hillsboro, with more food vendors and craft experts joining the celebration.

The forecast calls for mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies, with highs in the mid to upper 60s during the day.

The Taste of Highland County is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. this Saturday on Gov. Trimble Place in Hillsboro, showcasing local restaurants, chefs, bakers, caterers and other food providers, celebrating the unique culinary talents that exist in Highland County.

The event is presented jointly by the City of Hillsboro, the Hillsboro Uptown Business Association (HUBA) and the Highland County Visitors Bureau. Other sponsors include Merchants National Bank, NCB and The Times-Gazette.

HUBA member Sharon Hughes, media sales director at The Times-Gazette, is organizing the event, and she said Wednesday that she has been overwhelmed by the response.

“I knew people would be excited, because over the years people have told me over and over how much they wished we had something like this,” said Hughes. “But I wasn’t prepared for the response. I thought we would start out a little smaller and grow every year. Apparently, people are anxious to start big right out of the gate.”

Hughes said additional electric generators and other necessities had to be lined up because of the growing number of participants.

Food vendors will include a wide variety of culinary delights. Those scheduled to be on hand include Brown’s Bakery, All Seasons Catering, Ponderosa, Cowaburger, Alley 21, What Up Dawg weiner wagon, Catch 22, Twenty-Four Exchange, Pizza Hut, Karnes Orchard, the Eagles and more.

Crafts by local artisans will be featured throughout the day. Crafts will be presented by Gary and Rhonda Hollon, Justin and Andi Reno of Hometown Woodwerks, Dana Howland of Rustic Willow Primitives, Beery crafts, Laura Morris crafts, Debi Milner crafts, Hazel Smith crafts, Connie Williams crafts and Alberta Duncan crafts.

Entertainment will feature local talent offering a variety of musical styles, along with singer and songwriter Craig Allen and magician Pennington the Wizard. Entertainment will be presented throughout the day. Jump Start Music is providing lights and sound.

“This is a chance to have a fun, outdoor event uptown during the fall season, socialize with our neighbors, and enjoy some of the outstanding food that’s available right here in Highland County,” said Hughes

Participating vendors will be setting up booths lining Gov. Trimble Place. Attendees can visit the vendors, partake of the food and craft offerings, sit in their lawn chairs and enjoy the music and entertainment that will be featured throughout the day.

“Bring your lawn chairs and come up for a day of fun, socializing and great food,” said Hughes.

To check on last-minute vendor space, or for more information, contact Hughes at 937-393-3456. More information can also be found on the Taste of Highland County’s Facebook page.