The official start of autumn is just around the corner. With the onset of crisp nights and falling leaves, there’s no doubt that change is in the air.

We are excited to share some news on changes for Brunswick. The Brunswick Downtown Association is pleased to announce the hiring of our new executive director. Beginning Oct. 1, Debora King will take the helm of the BDA, replacing the recently retired Stephanie Slocum.

A resident of Brunswick, Debora has impressive credentials. She has more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofit, member-based organizations. She was previously employed as the executive director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce, a position she held since late 2010. Prior to moving to Maine, Debora was executive director of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce.

We are confident that she has the skills and knowledge to continue the success and growth of the BDA and hope you will join us in welcoming Debora into her new role.

You will get a chance to meet Debora this Saturday at the Taste of Brunswick.

This will be the fourth year of the event, which, as another example of change, was shifted from June to September this year to better take advantage of the fall harvest.

And what an event it will be. Get your taste buds ready for a treat.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Mall by the gazebo in downtown Brunswick will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fabulous food, drink and music. Come rain or shine to savor specialties from 14 of the area’s finest restaurants, including Big Top Deli, Bombay Mahal, The Brunswick Inn, Byrne’s Irish Pub, Cook’s Lobster House, Frontier, The Gelato Fiasco, The Great Impasta, Lion’s Pride, No. 10 Water, Sista’s BBQ, Tao, The Tavern at Brunswick Station, and Trattoria Athena.

There will be a beer tent sponsored by Byrne’s Irish Pub and music performances by the following local Maine bands: Hey Buddy, Ear Candy, Cinnamon, and The Music Center Ensemble.

Pricing for the Taste of Brunswick will remain the same as last year. Advance tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at www.brunswickdowntown.org/TOB or at The College Store, Cool As A Moose, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention, Riley Insurance, or at the Visitor Center in Brunswick Station. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event for $7 at the door (12 and under are free) and food tickets will be available for $1 each. Attendees will want to hold on to their Taste of Brunswick admission tickets, as they will offer deals and discounts, worth more than $20, from event participants after the event.

In addition, The College Store will host a book signing at the event for “Fresh From Maine: Recipes and Stories from the State’s Best Chefs” by Brunswick-based food writer Michael Sanders.

A portion of the proceeds from the book sales and from the Taste of Brunswick event itself will be donated to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.

A huge thank you to this year’s sponsors: Bowdoin College, Chad Little Outdoor Power Equipment, Downeast Energy, Hannaford, Mid Coast Health Services, Pepsi, Performance Foodservice, Shaw’s and The Times Record. Without their generosity, this event would not be possible.

For information on the Taste of Brunswick, visit www.brunswickdowntown.org/TOB. For more information on the BDA, visit www.brunswickdowntown.org or call 729-4439.