The Taste of Powell will commence for its eighth year this Thursday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The Powell Chamber of Commerce’s upscale community networking event is open to adults age 21 and older after normal zoo hours from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

“It’s a nice way to know what the restaurants offer,” said Tanya Kastelic-McCarthy, the Powell chamber’s executive director.

“Restaurants use it to their advantage too,” she added. Some vendors use the occasion to taste-test new dishes.”

The event usually sells about 800 to 1,000 tickets, she said. There will be 24 vendors representing 23 restaurants. There will also be three “food trucks,” a segment that has grown over the past few years, Kastelic-McCarthy noted.

The truck vendors are Daily Growler, Handels Ice Cream, and Powell Village Winery.

In addition, the chamber is bringing back the silent auction based on demand from attendants. Chamber members provided some of the auction items such as gift baskets to promote their businesses.

Also, local party band Conspiracy will provide the evening’s entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 614-888-1090 or online at www.columbuszoo.org. Tickets are also available at the following locations: Culver’s, 4137 W. Powell Road, City Barbeque, 3758 W. Powell Road, Cute as a Button, 38 W. Olentangy St., First Citizens National Bank, 9595 Sawmill Parkway, Klatte Photography, 45 Grace Drive, Liberty Tavern, 50 S. Liberty St., and the Chamber, 50 S. Liberty St. Suite 170.

For information, visit www.tasteofpowell.com.

The event’s corporate sponsors are Chesrown Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in Columbus, the zoo, Heidelberg Distributing Co., Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios and Pepsi.

Event partners incude Shawan Marquis Agency, Nationwide Insurance-Rolland & Associates, Maloney + Novotny, Powell Senior Living, Minutemen Press of Lewis Center, Rainbow International Restoration of Powell, First Commonwealth Bank and MC Fitness.