From its days as the Taste of Independence, the Taste of Clarkston’s proliferation into a highlight of the fall season continues into an eighth year.
This year’s event features 39 participating restaurants and a wide array of entertainment expected to draw people in the thousands.
‘Last year we had an estimated 10,000 people and would not be surprised to hit 15,000 with good weather,? said Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Enthusiast/Planner Terri Bendes. ‘We’ve done a tremendous amount of promotion and created a buzz and the word is out.?
With two stages of entertainment, an expanded KidZone, a silent auction and special exhibits set up by area businesses; the event offers much more than the area’s savory cuisine.
Some unique activities highlighted by Bendes include: Thumbelina the Clown who will have a tent set up for elaborate full face painting, Clarkston State Bank’s money cube where participants can catch money and coupons, and a treasure hunt in Tierra Fine Jewelers in which participants can enter a raffle for prizes at the end.
‘I’m really excited about this year. Last year was a risk to expand, but it was like a neighborhood block party. I saw neighbors I hadn’t seen in awhile. This year will be bigger and better,? said Chamber Executive Director Penny Shanks.
Growth of the event offers challenges to organizers who have seen 15 more restaurants sign on this year.
‘We’ve laid it out a lot better to accommodate the larger crowd so people don’t get too cramped,? said Shanks. ‘This is an example of our working partnership between Independence Township’s Park and Rec, the chamber and the village.?
A free shuttle van will run from Clarkston High School (6093 Flemings Lake Road), and Clarkston Elementary and Clarkston Junior High (6595 Waldon Road), to deal with parking issues and bring the attendees downtown.
Entry into the Taste of Clarkston is free, but food tickets must be purchased at the Ticket/Information Booth located at Main and Church Street. Tickets are sold in $10 and $25 dollar packets, or individual tickets, with one ticket equaling $1.
The Taste of Clarkston is hosted by Independence Township, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of the Village of Clarkston on Sept. 25 from noon?6 p.m in downtown Clarkston.
With Main Street closed, City Manager Art Pappas suggested the following detours. If heading north on M-15 turn on Waldon to Walters Road to Flemings Lake Road to Clarkston Road to M-15. If traveling south on M-15 take Miller Road to Holcomb to Dixie Highway.
See The Clarkston News? special section on the Taste of Clarkston for more information.