Carnegie Hall’s 40th TOOT offers Heritage From the Hollers program to nonprofits

PRESS RELEASE

Lewisburg, West Virginia – On Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 to 3 p.m., the 40th annual Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival will bring thousands of visitors to downtown Lewisburg. TOOT is a fundraiser for Carnegie Hall, a cultural institution of the Greenbrier Valley/New River region that brings arts education, performances, and exhibits to all.

TOOT involves the closing of downtown Lewisburg on Washington, Court, and Church Streets and distribution of a map orienting patrons to tasting locations, arts and crafts, entertainment, and exhibits. The festival strives to offer a food tasting adventure, featuring the fare of southeastern West Virginia, including Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas, Fayette, Summers, and Monroe Counties.

This year, Carnegie Hall is adding Heritage from the Hollers, a new culinary partnership program that invites West Virginia nonprofits to participate in TOOT through authentic international home‑style cuisine. Working alongside Mountain Table of Renick, each organization receives a culturally rooted recipe, hands‑on preparation guidance, and the culinary support needed to confidently serve their dish at the festival. By blending global flavors with local stewardship, Heritage from the Hollers celebrates the eclectic spirit of our community while giving nonprofits a powerful opportunity to raise funds, increase visibility, and connect with festival‑goers in a meaningful, memorable way.

Restaurants, businesses, and non-profit organizations are invited to be vendors at TOOT 2026. The non-refundable registration fee is $300 ($150 for nonprofits), and vendors keep 100% of their profits. Vendors who sign up before September 1 receive $50 off the vendor registration. Registration deadline is September 26, 2026.

Vendors set their own item prices for the festival. Vendor’s proposed menu is due September 18.

Vendors are promoted on the official TOOT map during the four-hour, food-focused event and retain 100% of the proceeds. Vendors should plan now to be a part of this local tradition.

2025 TOOT Sponsors include Greenbrier Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Kids’ Zone) and the American Beer Company (Beer & Cider Garden). 

Sponsorships are still available. Sponsoring Taste of Our Towns is the ultimate community investment. Whether priorities lie with preserving the arts in West Virginia, building brand recognition, or community involvement, Carnegie Hall offers a sponsorship package that’s right for every business. The festival attracts more than 5,000 visitors to downtown Lewisburg each year. For more information call Carnegie Hall Development Director Kit Lindsey at 304-645-7917 or development@carnegiehallwv.org.

To become a TOOT Vendor or for more information please visit www.carnegiehallwv.org/taste-of-our-towns. Booth location preferences are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Carnegie Hall reserves the right to decline an application or to request alternate food selections.