Even thunderstorms and rain couldn't keep away the roughly 800 people who attended the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce's 22nd Annual Showcase and Taste of Plymouth event at the Inn at St. John's on Monday night.

There were 92 businesses, organizations and restaurants exhibited and were divided into two large rooms as they handed out free food samples, promotional items and held raffles.

"This is one our larger public events of the year," Wes Graff, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce executive director said. "It's a great opportunity to have many of our members participate at a reasonable price. They have one on one marketing with 700 to 800 people. It works very well for everyone who exhibits."

The Chamber of Commerce charged attendees $10 at the door. The money will benefit the Chamber of Commerce, but is not one of their big fundraisers, according to Graff.

"What profit we do make will go to the Chamber," he said. "But this is more a benefit to our members. One of our jobs is to market our members to the community and this event does that."

During last year's Showcase and Taste of Plymouth event, the Chamber introduced a new feature, a live cooking competition. It was such a success, they decided to bring it back this year.

The competition, which drew a large crowd, was between Ahmad Termos, Ironwood Grill chef, and Tim Bryant, Independence Village chef. The two men were given the same ingredients and 45 minutes to complete their dishes.

This year, the main ingredients were Mamma Mucci Pasta, a garlic pepper pasta, and salmon.

The three judge team of Sheri Frader, Schoolcraft College Development & Government Relations executive assistant, Christopher Misiak, Culinary Arts program coordinator and instructor, and Terry Goehmann, owner of Mayflower Towing announced Termos as the winner.

Kerry Johnson, owner of the Cupcake Station was one of the exhibitors at the event. It was his first time exhibiting because his Plymouth location just opened last fall. He made sure to bring lots of mini cupcakes in several different flavors.

"Our Strawberry Delight was named Best in the Country by Cupcake Fetish.com in 2007," Johnson said. "So we brought some of those."

Johnson also brought carrot cake and vanilla bean flavors to hand out.

Happy Hounds Dog Day Care has been exhibiting at the Taste of Plymouth for seven years, according to owner Nancy Janoch.

"This is a wonderful event localized in Plymouth," she said. "So many people stop and say, 'I know where you are, I've been meaning to stop by and see you.' And it's great."

Among the restaurants and businesses exhibiting at the event, was State Rep. Kurt Heise, R-Plymouth.

Heise said he attended the event last year as a candidate, and now as an elected official, it is a "must-attend event."

"This is just a great way to be seen in the community annd answer any questions people may have," Heise said. "It's all about outreach and constituent service."

Plymouth Township residents Richard and Jan Raison stopped to talk to Heise during the event. The couple has attended the annual event for the past five or six years.

"I don't get dinner tonight if I don't come here," Richard Raison joked. "I like coming and seeing old friends and people I used to work with."

"And learning about the new businesses," Jan Raison added.

For more information on upcoming Chamber of Commerce events, visit them online at www.plymouthmich.org.