By Sue Moore
The Taste of Vicksburg is back after a year’s hiatus in downtown Vicksburg July 14. Sponsored by the Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce, it has always drawn big crowds to the village. The choices of food will get going at the main four corners at 5 p.m., ending at 8 p.m. The Chamber will offer hot dogs for sale from 9-midnight, after the food vendors close down and the beer is still available.
One new restaurant has been added to the number of restaurants operating in Vicksburg, with Vickers’ Tavern now open for business at 122 East Prairie. A few of the regulars with the Taste who can be counted upon to show their best food options include: Jaspare’s, Main Street Pub, Rise-N-Dine, Taco Bob’s, and Angels Crossing. There are 15 restaurants now in Vicksburg with eight which have committed to offer their food creations. A judge’s choice plaque will be awarded to one of the restaurants participating. Chamber Vice-President Mandy Miller said there will be five mystery judges sampling the food offerings. They will announce their choice at 8:30 p.m. on the stage.
Imperial Beverage will have Miller High Life, Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy on tap. Distant Whistle and the Hide-A-Way will be offering drinks inside their buildings but they cannot be carried outside to the tent on S. Main Street.
Music will be provided by Hair Mania from 7-11 p.m. on the stage under the traffic light.
The Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce is headed by Dane Bosel and assisted by Miller, Nick DeVito, Christine Butcher, and other dedicated business people. They recently sponsored a Job Fair at the high school, a Picnic in the Village and the Chili Cook-off in March at the Community Pavilion.
In years past, food and drink were purchased with cash only. This year the Chamber will accept debit and credit cards along with cash in an effort to shorten lines waiting to purchase tickets.