LEWISTON — The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council is looking for local restaurants to participate in its latest event aimed at building awareness of Lewiston as a food and dining destination. 

The council, made up of local high school students, will host “Let’s Go Eat” at the Franco Center in February, with plans to highlight and provide food samples from 20 Lewiston restaurants. 

Youth council coordinator Dot Perham-Whittier said council members came up with the idea at a recent meeting.

Since convening at the start of the school year, the youth council has been thinking about ways to promote positive news in Lewiston, and the focus on food is the latest event in its continuing “Shine on Lewiston” campaign. 

Eartlier this year, the group showcased expanding businesses in Lewiston, launched an online positivity feedback form and held a “Police Insider: True Blue” panel discussion with Lewiston police. 

The “Let’s Go Eat” event will be held at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.

Emma Williams, the youth council chairwoman, said of the event, “Lewiston has many great restaurants, and we want people to know of the many selections that are here.” 

The youth council plans to select 20 restaurants representing various cuisines in Lewiston. Youth council members are asking local business owners to contact the group if they wish to participate.

Participating restaurants will be expected to provide free food samples and information about the restaurant’s background and operation in Lewiston.

The event will be free and open to the public. 

“It’s a great way for restaurants to get some free publicity and to demonstrate that thriving here is possible,” LYAC member Damon DeWitt said.

To participate, the youth council can be contacted at dottie@lewistonmaine.gov or at 207-513-3018. There is no fee for restaurants to participate.