By Sue Moore
The Taste of Vicksburg has grown in importance as new restaurants and old faithful ones continue to participate since 2012, its inaugural year. It has been sponsored by the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce with an eye toward bringing guests into the downtown to showcase the many fine things the village has to offer, especially its food vendors.
“We have so many wonderful restaurants in Vicksburg, it’s a great way for visitors and residents to try them all!” said Tanya DeLong, one of the organizers for the Chamber. Again this year there will be three craft beers, white wine, red white, a hard cider and Coors lite all provided by Imperial Beverage. Three bands will be featured performers on stage at the corner of Main and Prairie Streets. They are Father Son and Friends from 6-7 p.m; Dani Jamerson, a local entertainer who has gained national attention and is now recording in Nashville, at 7; and The Pole Barn Rebels, well received last year, at 9 p.m. The event goes from 4-11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.
Last year, the rain came in bursts right up until the restaurants began selling their food specials from 4 until 7 p.m. The times will be the same this year with the hope that it will be a nice clear day, DeLong said. The vendors are allowed to set their own prices for the items they plan to serve. In the past, they have been asked to price everything in dollar increments, and this will be the case this year as well.
Participating restaurants this year include Jaspare’s, Rise ‘n’ Dine, Taco Bob’s, Mandy’s Candies, Apple Knockers, Creekside Grille, Main Street Pub, The Dek, and several others. Jaspare’s and Hungry Howies will continue selling pizza into the later hours of the Taste. The majority of the food vendors will conclude at 7 p.m.
Unfortunately, one of the newest establishments in town will not be open in time for the Taste event. The Distant Whistle is awaiting its license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission so it can sell craft beer in the former Rosewood location on S. Main Street.
Although the Taste is set for the same evening as the events at the Battle of Sunset Lake, sponsored by the Vicksburg Historical Society, organizers of both have been working together to promote and partner. That is why a parade from the Depot Museum starting at 5:30 p.m. to the performing stage under the stoplight at the Main four corners is a part of both events. The opening band plays Celtic music while the other two play country and rock n’ roll.
“It’s a really great time for everyone to get out, get caught up, enjoy some fantastic food and have fun,” DeLong said.