FLOWERY BRANCH — Enticing smells and jazzy tunes wafted down Main Street at Saturday’s Taste of Flowery Branch.

Hundreds of people followed their noses to the fundraising event, held in downtown Flowery Branch.

The proceeds from each all-you-can-eat ticket went to the Flowery Branch High School band.

Roy Hortman, president of the Flowery Branch Band Boosters, said the proceeds would benefit the band program in several ways.

"Bands have to raise money for different things. We’re trying to make this an annual event so people won’t have to buy the uniforms, and to help cut down on the fees so we can bring more people in the band," Hortman said. He added that the money will also help fund the band’s trip to the presidential inauguration in January, where they will be playing at one of the venues in the area.

Local restaurants and food chains offered food samplers from tents and booths lining Main Street. The smorgasbord of savory fare included
desserts, coffee concoctions, Southern cooking and Southwestern cuisine.

In addition to food, visitors were treated to live music, a performance by the Flowery Branch band, a martial arts demonstration, a silent auction and other activities.

The fundraiser made sense to Flowery Branch band members Virginia Foster and Lauren Boceman.

"It’s better than selling stuff that no one really wants, like cheesecake and candles," said Lauren Boceman, a Flowery Branch high school senior. "This is something people actually like to be a part of."

Fellow senior Virginia Foster agreed.

"Everyone likes food and everyone likes to get out and listen to music. It’s really relaxed," Foster said.

Sandy Crawford said she and her family came to try the different restaurants.

"Everything is delicious," Crawford said. "So far, I’m really pleased with how many (food sponsors) showed up. It’s great people know Flowery Branch is here."