Going out to eat will be easy Sunday at Taste of Clarkston.
Thirty restaurants will present the best they have to offer all along downtown Main Street, 12-6 p.m. Sept. 30, from steak tips made by Bullfrogs to chicken stew at Hamlin Pub, Johnny Rockets? mini hamburgers to chocolate cinnamon bread by Starbucks.
‘We’ll have the best of the best there,? said Carolyn Parcha, Taste of Clarkston chair. ‘We’ll have something for everyone.?
This year is the 10th annual Taste ? four vendors will make all 10, Clarkston Cafe, Clarkston Union, Pete’s Coney Island II, and Rudy’s Market.
The Union will offer its famous mac and cheese, this year with a twist. ‘Jalapeno mac and cheese,? Parcha said.
Visitors can buy as few or as many tickets as they want. Many items will be available for a $1 ticket, others will be more. Beverages will be sold at almost every stand.
Stages set up facing each other on Main Street at Washington and Waldon roads will feature rock, blue grass, and local musicians.
Sponsors? exhibits and displays will feature the latest in cars, chiropractic care, and other services.
Electrical upgrades allow exhibitors to spread out all along Main Street.
‘They will be scattered evenly all along Main Street, for people to enjoy as they go,? Parcha said.
For the children, Clarkston Optimist Club presents Kidzone in Depot Park.
‘There are a lot of new things,? said Jean Dasuqi, Kidzone coordinator and incoming Optimist president. ‘It’s so much fun for the little guys. Last year was cold and rainy, but the kids still loved it.?
Children can listen to an African drum band perform in the park gazebo, get lost in a hay maze, jump in a bounce house, climb a wall, play carnival games, and win prizes.
‘Lots of volunteers and lots of Optimists ? we’re all excited to give the kids a great day,? she said. ‘It’s going to be fun, a good family day.?
The event could not happen without the support of partners, participants, and sponsors, Parcha said.
‘We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,? she said. ‘It doesn’t just happen ? without our sponsors, we wouldn’t have this or it would be on a much smaller scale.?
A silent auction at Main and Washington, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., will include baskets, trips, hotel stays, golf packages, gift certificates, and other items.
Depending on the weather, attendence ranges from 8,000 to 12,000, many staying all day. Organizers are setting up about 300 places to sit, or people can bring their own chairs.
‘It’s fun ? you can see the historical sites, try what the restaurants have to offer, listen to music, get a scoop of ice cream,? Parcha said. ‘You see the spirit of Clarkston.?
‘It’s a great event ? I can’t tell you how many restaurants my husband and I discovered at the Taste of Clarkston,? Dasuqi said.
The Taste of Clarskton Cookbook will be available for $10, filled with 250 recipes submitted by Chamber of Commerce members.