For the 16th year in a row, UMass dining services will host their annual “Taste of UMass” event April 22 at the Mullins Center.

The event, which is free for all UMass students who have a campus meal plan, will be held from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. next Thursday.

Featuring 75 different food booths, the “Taste of UMass” will include cuisine from Home Comfort Foods plus entertainment such as “UMass Idol,” a 40-foot giant UMass sushi roll, a student iron chef competition, as well as a Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, according to the director of dining services, Ken Toong.

Additionally, the event will welcome different guests, including celebrity chef Jet Tila and Food Network personality, Kevin Brauch.

Due to the event, University dining commons will close at 3:00 p.m., though the Bluewall Café, the Pita Pit at the Worcester Dining Commons and the Southwest Café will remain open. The Worcester and Berkshire Dining Commons will re-open at 9:00 p.m.

Admissions fees for all non-meal plan students and staff at the “Taste of UMass” will be $10, with tickets being $12 for the public.

According to Toong, buses will be available to the Mullins Center next Thursday beginning at 4:00 p.m.

                                                                                                — Collegian News Staff