News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President Adam Poll, left, and Chamber Director of Events Alisha Bouchard show off bandanas that will be used for this year's Grub Crawl event. The 80s is this year’s theme, and people will be able to enjoy food and beverages at more than a handful of local restaurants and taverns.

ALPENA — Set aside Sept.15 if you enjoy food, drinks, games, prizes, and fun.

At 5:30 p.m. on that date, the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 11th annual Grub Crawl, which will allow participants to sample food at local restaurants and taverns and take advantage of discounted cocktails.

This year’s theme is “Back to the 80s.”

Chamber Director of Events Alisha Bouchard said the event normally sells out. She said the goal of the event is to draw people into area eateries that they have never visited before and make them fans so they return.

Taking part in this year’s event are Court Yard Ristorante, HopSide Brewery, Joe’s Bar, Latitudes Tavern, Player’s Pub & Grub, Red Brick Tap and Barrel, and the Old Polish Corner.

Bouchard said a shuttle provided by Thunder Bay Transportation will chauffeur people from location to location.

The 80s theme is sure to be a hit, Bouchard said, as people are expected to break out their hairspray, bright colors, and classic rock attire.

Even the tickets for the event are special.

“We’re celebrating the 80s, so we have six different color neon and animal-print bandanas,” she said. “It will be a lot of fun, and we’re encouraging people to dress up with the big hair, neon, and all of that fun stuff.”

Tickets for the event are $20 and are available at the Chamber office.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 989-354-4181.