Approximately 4,000 people dined together in downtown Clarkston last Saturday.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 6th Annual Taste of Clarkston with 16 restaurants providing food for the event.
“We had a wonderful turnout that was a great cross section of the community,” event planner Terri Bendes said. “We had families with young kids, the empty nesters and the retirees. Everybody came out and had a good time.”
The event was scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. but it ended about twenty minutes early due to inclement weather.
However, that did not dampen residents enjoying their favorite dishes. Sue Bates enjoyed some raspberry pie from the Clarkston Cafe, but she also enjoyed the festive nature of the event.
“I’m a real people watcher, and there’s a lot of people,” Bates said, but she also gave credit to the vendors offering unique dishes. “I just want something different.”
The Chamber changed some of their practices to keep the lines moving and accommodate the number of people. However, Greg and Tena Neislar weren’t taking any chances.
“We got here early this year,” Tena said as she munched on spinach and artichoke dip from Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club. “We got here about 7 p.m. last year and all the food was gone.”
Greg echoed the sentiment, finishing his serving of buffalo chili. “We’re just beginning.”
In addition to the food, residents enjoyed music and children’s games.
The event, which The Clarkston News helped sponsor, was in conjunction with the Fall Fun Daze which included a 5K and a 10K run put on by the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department.
“We have a great partnership with the Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Public Works helps us also. It was really great to see all the groups coming together,” Bendes said. “It was a cooperative effort.”
Awards given out included: best appetizer; buffalo chili by the Restaurant at Shepherd’s Hollow; best dessert, raspberry pie by the Clarkston Cafe; best entree, prime rib and sauteed frog legs by Bullfrogs; best menu, blue sky Michigan salad, Italian sausage with pepper and onions and chicken rice soup by Rudy’s Quality Market; best overall menu, black bean roll-ups, corn dog with chips, tortilla soup and banana creme pie by Max and Erma’s; friendliest service, Liberty Banquet and Grille; most attractive booth, Castello Di Bologna; people’s choice award winner, Bullfrogs.
“The food was wonderful again this year. It was very difficult to judge. The menus were excellent,” Bendes said.

All the proceeds from the Taste of Clarkston benefit community parks, programs and projects such as Bay Court Park, Clintonwood Park, Concerts in Depot Park and the Heart of Clarkston Lighted Holiday Parade.