TRENTON, Mich. — Along with celebrating the 60th anniversary of the PNC Roar on the River this year, organizers also are looking forward to showcasing a record number of vendors for the annual kickoff bash known as “A Taste of the Races.”
Forty-
“The response and the support this year has just been amazing,” said Ronnie Jacek, who is coordinating the event on behalf of Trenton Rotary, which organizes the PNC Roar on the River. “Our restaurant owners in this area are incredible. They are really committed to being part of this and showcasing the best of what our region has to offer.”
The three-hour food extravaganza will be capped off by a performance by Fifty Amp Fuse, which is returning for the third consecutive year to rev up the crowd for the two days of power boat racing, Jet Ski stunt shows and other activities to follow at Elizabeth Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 24-25.
A Taste of the Races runs from 6:30-9 p.m. Fifty Amp Fuse is expected to take the stage at around 8 p.m. The Taste is a ticketed event, but the concert is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Taste are $35 a person in advance, or $30 in blocks of 10 or more. Tickets will cost $40 at the door, if available, so advance purchase is recommended.
The food event has been part of the Roar since 2001, when the very first one featured 14 vendors. In recent years it has flirted with the 40 mark, but this is the first time it will actually surpass it.
“A Taste of the Races has become an integral part of the Roar on the River tradition,” said Lynn Nolan, president of Trenton Rotary. “One of the things that make it so special is that it’s such a great deal. “Where else could you visit 40-plus restaurants for $35 — and have free concert as well?”
Jacek said the range of participants is “as diverse as ever,” featuring a broad mix of American and ethnic eateries, plus specialty providers of desserts and beverages.
“The variety is one of the key attractions,”
Jacek said another big attraction for the vendors is the fact that they can put their business out of in front of potential new customers at an event where attendance usually exceeds 1,000 people. The participating restaurants also become partners in the event with Rotary and receive various promotional considerations.
Advance tickets are available at Trenton City Hall and area PNC branch offices, as well as the offices of Jocks and Associates and Rehab Connection, both on West Road in Trenton. Tickets also can be reserved by calling (734) 675-8600.
Here’s a list of participants scheduled to appear at ‘A Taste of the Races:’
ABC Catering
Applebee’s
Applewood Nursing Center
Brooklyn's
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cafe West
Catering by Kellie
Charly’s On The River
Chocolate Fantasies
Coconut Bay Distributors
Cold Stone Creamery
Crystal Gardens
Edible Arrangements
Famous Dave's
Fratello's Restaurant
Gordon Food Service
Hooters
Jeanne's Catering
Jerzey’s Sports Bar and Grill
Jet’s Pizza
Kathy’s Candy for a Cause
Lions, Tigers & Beers
McCaffery’s Bar
Mill Street Bakery
Mom's Family Restaurant
Mr. Nick’'s Restaurant
Old Country Buffet
Orlando Familia Banquet Center
Par-Fection Catering
The Rhapsody
Savannah’s
Sharkey’s Riverfront Tavern
Sibley Gardens
Solero Café
Soltz’s Quality Meats & Catering
South Shore Coney Island
Starbucks
Tubby’s
TV’s Deli & Diner
TV’s Grand Event
Vic’s Casual Dining
Vito’s Italian Restaurant



