By Faye Reeder

freeder@star-telegram.com

Festival of food, art, music. Taking a break from the summer heat, hundreds of visitors from across Northeast Tarrant County and beyond will descend upon the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills on Aug. 5 for the annual eating bonanza. This year, Taste of Northeast will feature more than 25 restaurants, live entertainment, a silent auction, and chance to meet local artists and see their work.

What's the most strategic way to begin your experience at Taste of Northeast? Make sure to check out the complete list of eateries showcasing their items by visiting www.tasteofnortheast.com so that you have a plan of attack before you arrive at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5.

Want to sample some great Mexican food? Stroll over to the booths of Cantina Laredo, El Chico, On the Border, Martha's Mexican Cocina or Miguelito's Mexican Restaurant to taste the dishes awaiting your enjoyment. Or maybe it's Italian you crave? Then ZuRoma or Italianni's will have something you love. Barbecue or steak your style? Then Applebee's, Genghis Grill, Hoffbrau, Big Barn Bar-B-Que and several others will have samplings you cannot resist. Hungry guests can also indulge in various pizza offerings, yummy desserts from several restaurants and caterers, and a variety of tasty wines, coffees and soft drinks.

The main stage has a musical lineup guaranteed to offer whatever entertainment flavor you are hankering for -- from Texas Millionaires to Artisan Center Theater performers to the Momentum Dance Company to rock band Gravity Feed. To spice up your plate even more, the small stage will serve up shows by the Northeast Orchestra, the Texas Millionaires' small group and performers from the Taps 'N Tunes ensemble.

Event organizers Lauren Brown, Holly Gray McPherson, Rebecca Barksdale and a committee of volunteers have lined up all the great restaurants along with a silent-auction shopping experience that guests will love. Tickets to arts events, luxury hotel stays and Texas Motor Speedway are only a few of the items up for bid.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for ages 7-17 and free for children under 7. Tickets are available at the website or at 817-283-3406. The proceeds benefit the fabulous programs that the Arts Council provides to the community.

Back-to-school health fair. Haltom City, the Birdville school district and the Council of PTAs are teaming up to provide free vision and dental screenings to elementary and middle school children at a health fair from 4 to 8 p.m. July 30 and from 9 .m. to 4 p.m. July 31.

Be sure to look pretty because free family portraits will be offered to all attendees. Proof of residence (a current utility bill, for example) will be required for admission. Call Tom Henry at 817-831-6710 or visit www.haltomcitytx.com for details.

Please send your news to freeder@star-telegram.com