As usual, the Port Aransas Rotary Club's Champagne Cruise and Mini- Taste of Port Aransas is sold out.

The only hope of getting a ticket now is if someone who had tickets reserved does not claim and pay for them by today, Thursday, Sept. 6, said Rotarian Rob Phillips.

Anyone who wants a ticket may call Phillips at ValueBank Texas of Port Aransas (749-5264, press 0 when the recording begins and ask to speak to Phillips) between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7, to see if he has any unclaimed tickets. Tickets are $40 per person, which includes champagne, samples of island cuisine, dancing and cruising.

The fundraiser is tomorrow from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m., aboard the Scat Cat out of Fisherman's Wharf.

Virtually all of the restaurants in Port Aransas will participate by furnishing a "mini-taste" of their favorite dishes. Dancing under the stars will be to music provided by the duet of Eddie Olivarez Jr. on saxophone and Vince Ginova on keyboard.

This annual event, which is tax deductible, is unique in that 100 percent of all services, as well as food and drink, are donated by the community and 100 percent of all proceeds are returned to the community by the Rotary Club. Youth-related activities in Port Aransas sponsored by the Rotary Club are targeted.

The event is held in memory of the late Barbara Sheppard, who initiated the cruise and was an active member of the Rotary Club as well as a Paul Harris Fellow.