Peoria retail and dining center Park West and the Peoria Education Foundation have teamed to offer West Valley culinary enthusiasts an all-new progressive dining and entertainment event, Follow the Fork.

Taking place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  Oct. 2,  throughout the open-air shopping center at 9744 W. Northern Ave., guests can enjoy delectable tastings from the participating restaurants at Park West along with live music, interactive art, photo opportunities and more, as they raise funds to support the Peoria Education Foundation’s important work.

“We’re so excited to partner with the Peoria Education Foundation and bring West Valley residents a fun way to try our fabulous new restaurant mix, many of which are first of a kind concepts on the West side,” said Kelly Price, Park West’s business development manager. “It’s our pleasure to offer our culinary community a comprehensive new event that serves a good cause that we all want to support — Peoria students!”

VIP tickets start at $50 and include a private VIP reception with refreshments at Sicilian Butcher from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; exclusive “midnight snack” swag bag with cookie samples; beverages; tastings at participating restaurants; special VIP area and more.

All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Peoria Education Foundation, which provides scholarships for Peoria Unified School Districts.

"Follow the Fork is an engaging way for our community to be exposed to multiple restaurants at Park West all while supporting the work of the foundation," said foundation board President Tamara Caraway, who also serves as president of Avid Architects. "This will be a fun night filled with complimentary bites at multiple restaurants, live music, interactive art, photo ops, a Midnight Snack goody bag, raffles, and more.

The foundation has for nearly 35 years been providing scholarships to students and grants to PUSD teachers to encourage innovative learning programs. Fundraising for Follow the Fork will flow into those dual programs.

"We are grateful these funds will help to continue the valuable work done by the Foundation to support students and teachers in the Peoria Unified School District since 1987," Caraway said.

The foundation offers multiple ways for the community to get involved in its mission. Visit https://www.peoriaedfoundation.org.

Doors for Follow the Fork open to the general public at 6 p.m.; general admission tickets are $25 and include tastings at participating restaurants and midnight snack swag bag.

Participating restaurants include: