How does an evening spent enjoying comfort food sound to you? What if that comfort food came in the form of macaroni and cheese, and you'd be helping the community while filling your tummy?

The third annual MAC and Cheese Fest will be held at the Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia, on Saturday, Sept. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis with people paying at the door.

"Columbia's MAC and Cheese Fest will have up to 14 samples of mac and cheese from local restaurants. Who has the cheesiest mac and cheese, most original or is it just like Mom's? We'll find out, and you get to select our winners," explained Daisy Pagan, vice president and event coordinator for the Merchants Association of Columbia (MAC), which is hosting the event. "All samples will be blind tasted, meaning no names will be given, only numbered samples. Winners and restaurant numbers will be announced when the event is over."

After heading through a buffet line and filling up a tray with samples from each of the restaurants, people will complete a scorecard noting their favorites. Beverages will be available for a separate purchase.

Winners will be selected in various categories, with the top winner named "The Big Cheese" and earning a cheese trophy. Last year, Parma Pizza & Grill took top honors, with The Golden Whisk Bakery winning the top prize the year before.

The event is a fundraiser for MAC, an organization that promotes businesses in Columbia and hosts community events, including Fourth Friday festivities.

"Most of our Fourth Friday events are free to our merchant members," Pagan said, noting that most Fourth Fridays feature food and drinks plus entertainment. "This fundraiser offsets those fees of chocolate, bands and wine samples. We also give the restaurants a stipend as well as foil pans to offset the price to make the mac and cheese."

The MAC and Cheese Fest has proven to be very popular, Pagan said. "Last year, we had over 300 people attend," she stated. "Get there early to get good seats. We are speeding things up this year with an additional buffet line."

She added that people who attend the festival will walk away with full stomachs and possibly plans for future meals.

"At the very least, you'll have over 20 ounces of mac and cheese. That's a ton!" she said. "(You'll get) a full belly, a fun time and maybe your next date night for a full plate of mac and cheese from your favorite sample."

For more information, search for "MAC and Cheese Fest" on Facebook. Admission will be charged for all people attending the event, including children. A list of participating restaurants will be available soon.