Leaders of the local United Way expect some 10,000 people to take advantage of a food-filled fundraiser Thursday.

From 5-10 p.m. at the Avenue in south Forsyth, the organization will host its second Flavors of Forsyth event.

Leigh Crow, a United Way of Forsyth County employee, said about 43 restaurants will participate, as well as about 15 crafters in an artists’ market area.

“We’ll also have a kids’ zone with inflatables, face painting and balloon artists,” she said. “The Avenue has also partnered with the Georgia Aquarium to bring in the AT&T Dolphin Tales mobile tour.

“Everyone asks if it’s real dolphins. It’s not, but it’s an interactive 3-D experience in a 75-foot trailer.”

There will also be live music from the band Last Five Standing.

Restaurants will compete for bragging rights in several categories, including best appetizer/salad; entrées in various types of dining; dessert; and best booth.

Crow said attendees will also have an opportunity to vote for their personal favorites in the people’s choice category.

Each restaurant will offer small samples of various dishes. Tickets for food samples cost 50 cents each, Crow said, and restaurants will charge between one and six tickets per sample.

“We’ll have Mexican, Mediterranean, burgers, pizza, barbecue – we’ve got it all,” she said.

Other choices will include Italian, kabobs, deep South, cupcakes, frozen yogurt and ice cream.

All proceeds will go to the local United Way for programs supporting area residents in need. Crow said last year’s Flavors of Forsyth raised about $9,000.

“It’s a really upbeat, fun environment,” she said. “People get to taste a lot of food for dinner for not a lot of money.

“It’s a great, family-friendly afternoon activity that supports a great cause.”