The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce promised a bigger and better ‘Taste of Clarkston? this year and they delivered.
Approximately 10,000 people attended the seventh annual event on Sunday, Sept. 26. For the first time ‘Taste? was held on Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday night.
‘We are very pleased with how the event went,? Chamber Director Penny Shanks said. ‘We received many complements. A resident told me it had been a long time since Clarkston had a block party. They wanted us to have another on next weekend.?
The other notable change this year was the closing down of Main Street to host the event. In years past, the event had taken place on the corner of Main Street and Washington Street. However, ‘Taste? had outgrown that area and the Chamber thought closing down Main Street would create a great atmosphere.
The Chamber received help from the Clarkston City Council and City Clerk Art Pappas in receiving permission from the Michigan Department of Transportation to close Main Street.
‘With the change to Sunday we had many more restaurants and residents coming out. We really wanted to make it a family event,? Shanks said. ‘It did not surprise me that so many people cam out. What did surprise me was that those people stayed so long. I thought it would be more come and go but we did have a lot of stuff to do.?
A total of 30 restaurants participated this year which was more than double what participated last year. Some establishments had sample size food available while others featured full meals.
‘Everything I have tasted has been so good. It is a real diverse menu,? Independence Township resident Steve Noble said. ‘This is such a great event. This is the first time I have brought the family to this.?
In addition to the food, the crowd was entertained by a ventriloquist, a magician and a puppeteer at the children’s stage, while local bands took turns performing from various music styles.
‘Everybody seemed to like the local talent which came out of our Concerts in the Park series,? Shanks said.
Shanks said the Chamber is already looking forward to next year. She said numerous restaurants attended to see what the event was all about and have already committed to next year.
‘I would love to see 15,000 people downtown but we will need to evaluate and see how much space we would need,? Shanks said. ‘We want to keep it a nice, family event where everyone can come out and have a good time. This was definitely a big success.?