Need a taste vacation? This weekend will be your chance to grab a passport to dining and shopping temptation. The third annual Savor the Flavor will be held Saturday afternoon in downtown Oak Harbor.

Harborside Shops and downtown merchants will host this event organized by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Whidbey Island Bank and the Whidbey News-Times.

Jill Johnson, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the response from businesses has been strong and the event continues to be a popular draw.

For only $10, ticket purchasers can get a taste passport that opens up a world of food, discounts and shopping fun.

Passport stops will be at dozens of Oak Harbor restaurants, eateries and businesses. Many are partnered to offer tasty treats while you shop.

For instance, stop by Bayview Embroidery N Print for a taste of Frank’s Place’s famous Spam chili. You can find bite-sized grinders and pizza at PW Murphy’s. Get a tan and an Arby’s sandwich at Electric Beach. Spy some precious jewels and sample pastries by Chocolates for Breakfast at the Jewelry Gallery. Nosh on Mitzel’s sweet and sour Swedish meatballs at Oak Tree Antiques. Don’t forget to wash away your thirst with some Flyers beer at Paint Your World. Plus, many more passport stops will be offered.

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce membership coordinator Sande Crank-Mulkey and chamber volunteers have worked hard to get a vast array of businesses and restaurants involved.

“The community gets exposure to food and businesses they might not have otherwise tried before,” Johnson said.

Among the samples offered Saturday will be delicate and sweet baklava at Zorba’s Restaurant on Pioneer Way. Zorbas has been on Pioneer since 1999. Chris and Helen Pantoleon purchased the restaurant in 2001. But while the friendly Zorbas staff greets visitors, don’t be surprised if Helen Pantoleon is off wandering.

“There’s so much going on downtown that day, I like to get out and take a walk to check everything out myself,” Pantoleon said.

Passport books will include coupons that will allow people to savor the discounts even after the day is done. Arby’s is offering free sandwiches, Imperial at Kasteel’s coupon allows people to buy two lunches and get one free, and there’s plenty of percentages off at a variety of stores — even discounts on diamonds at the Jewelry Gallery.

Plus many retailers and eateries will offer specials and discounts for customers walking through the door the day of Savor the Flavor.

“There are many fun things planned,” Johnson said.

Event proceeds help fund the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Windjammer Park. An additional donation is made to Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor.

Three years ago the first Savor the Flavor left area businesses and the public wanting a second helping.

“It went well and everyone involved knew this was something that had to be continued,” Johnson said.

Last year the event grew and this year saw further expansion and increased participation from retailers and restaurants. The savoring can only become more flavorful from here on out.

“It just keeps getting better and better,” Johnson said.