Taste of Chicago 2012 Will Run From July 11-15 This Summer in Grant Park

April 20, 2012 - PRLog -- The annual Taste of Chicago festival will be slightly different this summer. Instead of spanning ten days as it has in the past, the event will only be five days long — running from July 11-15 — in an attempt to reduce costs for the vendors. The idea is to help generate more profits and exposure for participating vendors in a shorter span of time. The Taste of Chicago event has traditionally been a time for local residents and visitors alike to celebrate the 4th of July weekend with fireworks and a food festival, but Concierge Preferred is sure that this year’s event will still offer a great opportunity to enjoy some fun-filled summer days in Chicago’s Grant Park.
http://www.conciergepreferred.com/chicago-guide/4133-taste-of-chicago-guide.html


For 2012, management of the event has returned to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Last year it was managed by the Chicago Park District. Cindy Gatziolis, spokesperson for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Events, says of this year’s festival: “We’re looking for it to really reflect the culinary scene.” In addition to offering the chance to sample traditional Chicago favorites like deep dish pizza, the Taste of Chicago is also expected to promote some of the city’s more ethnic cuisine. Gatziolis is hoping that the short schedule will attract some newer, cutting-edge vendors.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/9685896-418/taste-o...

Some vendors were surprised by the shortening of the festival, but most seemed to support the change. “If we can get five good days of weather I personally think it’s a good thing,” says owner of Robinson’s No.1 Ribs and long-time vendor at Taste of Chicago events, Charles Robinson.

Gatziolis says the change was to balance out the city’s free festivals offered throughout the summer. Nonetheless, she states that Taste of Chicago remains the “preeminent event of July.” Travelers and local residents can look forward to an exciting summer week of sampling the finest of Chicago’s cuisine. For the latest information about the upcoming Taste of Chicago festival and more great things to do in Chicago this summer, residents and visitors can visit Concierge Preferred online.
http://www.conciergepreferred.com/events.html/eventlist.html