BENEFIT TASTING : Volunteers Fan the ‘Flame’ for Orange County Fire Chiefs Assn.

A new “Taste”-styled event, where food fans can sample cuisines from a variety of local restaurants, enters the local scene Saturday.

“A Flame for Flavor” in Anaheim will offer nonstop entertainment on two stages as well as tasting booths from such eateries as Medieval Times, Peppers, El Torito Grill, the Catch, the Fireside, Carbonara and Mazzotti’s.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Orange County Fire Chiefs Assn., with funds going to support a planned firefighter memorial in Orange County, among other association causes.

“We decided, why don’t we put together a one-day, blowout event” coinciding with a national fire chiefs convention in Anaheim, said Jim Holzer, managing director of community services for the Orange County fire chiefs group.

Organizers had just four months to plan the event and attract participating restaurants, entertainers and corporate sponsors.

“Nobody thought we could do it on such short notice,” Holzer said, but the event gained a long list of sponsors and volunteer supporters, as well as more than 30 restaurants and beverage vendors.

Entertainers include the Korean Fan and Drum Dancers, the Fabulous Jetsons music group, comedians Scott Woods and Jacqui Bowe, singer Tom Burns, Dem Horn Dogs orchestra, the American Gladiators, stars from the Clippers, Lakers and Angels along with a self-defense show.