No one went hungry Wednesday at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s annual fall mixer, Taste of Lawrence.

That’s no small feat, considering more than 1,700 people flocked to the always-popular social outing on the lawn of Meadowbrook Apartments. They were lured by food  from burgers and pizza to gourmet cuisine  served by 30 area restaurants and a chance to mingle with old friends and new as they waited in lines to load their plates.

“There’s too much good food. We ended up having to buy stuff to take home,” Pinckney School special education teacher Cindy Harrison said, holding up a paper bag full of extra goodies.

Each year, the mixer pays homage to Douglas County educators as the new school year gets under way.

“It gives us a chance to celebrate the educators and show them how much the businesses appreciate them,” said Cathy Lewis, director of chamber programs.

The event also highlights the Business/Education Partnership, a program that matches businesses with schools to enhance student learning and personal growth.

Harrison said Pinckney School had partnerships with both Lawrence Memorial Hospital and architectural firm Gould Evans Associates.

“We have had lots of interaction between their people and our students,” she said, noting that one youngster now dreams of becoming an architect.

The mixer is always a fun way to celebrate those kinds of success stories.

“It’s excellent this year,” Harrison said. “There’s a lot of good food, a lot of people.”

Lawrence schools Supt. Randy Weseman was basking in the laid-back atmosphere, enjoying the opportunity to catch up with people he doesn’t see very often.

“It’s a good way to work with the community,” said Weseman, who was sporting a Hawaiian-print shirt and straw hat. “It highlights and showcases education and demonstrates the commitment of the community and the chamber.”

Taste of Lawrence has been bringing the business and education communities together for good grub and conversation for more than 25 years. Lewis said this year’s attendance topped the 1,700 mark it has been sitting at for the past two years.

“This is one of the largest, most fun, most anticipated events the chamber has each year,” said Allison Vance Moore, chairwoman of the 2002 mixer committee. “If you look around, everyone’s smiling.”