The Taste of Home Cooking School is America’s leading cooking school program, inspiring more than 135,000 passionate home chefs at 200-plus events nationwide, according to a news release. The Athens Messenger is bringing the program to Athens.

Mark Porter Autoplex and the 30 Mile Meal program are presenting sponsors of the main event, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville. It also will feature a vendor village around the square.

The Cooking School show begins at 7 p.m. but the vendor village will open earlier in the day so guests can have the opportunity to shop and sample local products.

Taste of Home’s Culinary Specialist Dana Elliott will share her home-cooking tips and tricks while demonstrating step-by-step recipes for the season’s best dishes, the release said. Attendees will experience recipe demonstrations using ingredients that are easily found at local Kroger supermarkets, the grocery sponsor for this culinary event.

Recipes are submitted by home cooks from across the country, with the idea of inspiring similar culinary efforts in area homes.

Blackburn’s Home Furnishings is providing the appliances on center stage and will be offering a $750 appliance gift to one attendee. All of those who purchase tickets will have an opportunity to win valuable prizes from national and local sponsors.

The event will feature a memorable culinary experience with the culinary experts, the release said. They will feature samples of several prepared dishes and a selection of beverages for attendees.

“From experienced home chefs to beginners learning their way around the kitchen, the Taste of Home Cooking School offers something for everyone – putting a fresh spin on old favorites and adding new and delicious recipes to your seasonal repertoire,” Elliott, Taste of Home culinary specialist, said in the release.

Attendees will receive a gift bag including the Taste of Home Cooking School magazine. This magazine includes recipes featured during the program, along with many more, as well as coupons and other offers from participating national food companies.