Taste of Des Plaines 2008

Snow may be on the ground, but organizers of the annual Taste of Des Plaines, sponsored by the Des Plaines Special Events Commission, are busy making plans for an even bigger and better event, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 6, 7 and 8, 2008. Held downtown Des Plaines along Ellinwood Street downtown, the Taste combines the best of the finest local restaurants, free entertainment for the entire family, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Consumer Expo, the Des Plaines Park District’s Chase to the Taste, a 5 K Walk or Run (whichever you prefer), and an art show by the Des Plaines Art Guild.

(pictured above) Des Plaines Special Events Commissioner Neal Watson; Taste of Des Plaines Chairman and Chairman of the Special Events Commission Linda Forman; and Mayor Tony Arredia pose for a photograph prior to a performance by "Mike and Joe" at last year’s Taste of Des Plaines. 　 (pictured above) Hawaiian fire dancers from the Barefoot Hawaiians perform at last year’s Taste of Des Plaines.

Headed up by a very enthusiastic Special Events Commission and Taste of Des Plaines Chairman, Linda Forman, the Taste seems to get better each year: "We’re always looking at ways to do things even better. With attendance numbers reaching over 25,000, the Taste has evolved into being our community’s signature event," Forman said.

While each year the Special Events Commission attempts something new, Forman is especially looking forward to this year’s event: "We have several irons in the fire that we are working on… from new entertainment venues to some new marketing techniques.

It’s a lot of work, but its fun when you have a good team to work with."

Forman is referring to the thirteen volunteer Special Events Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to work on events such as the Taste, New Year’s Eve on the Plaza, and July 4^th Activities. Hosting formal meetings once a month at City Hall, the group, made up of Des Plaines residents from a variety of backgrounds (from a blue grass musician to a nun), spends countless hours preparing, coordinating and working at the Taste of Des Plaines. A dedicated team, the group that works and often socializes together, starts working on an event months in advance to ensure that it runs smoothly, is family oriented, and appeals to "Des Plainites."

"We are hoping to have more of a variety of entertainment this year. We are looking to have different venues each day. The Commission is fortunate to have members who understand the entertainment world. I have established contacts and know what is needed to make the main stage a draw," Taste Chairman Linda Forman said.

Forman in the process of lining up several key groups to entertain at this year’s event, including several acts for children and families, which continue to be the focus at the

Taste. Some of the talent scheduled for this year’s Taste of Des Plaines includes Hi Infidelity, Mike & Joe, Galina Dance Studio …………… and few other surprises that you won’t want to miss.

Highlighting the Taste of Des Plaines will be an assortment of delectable foods from Des Plaines finest restaurants offered in an appealing food court.

One of the unique features of the Des Plaines Taste that sets it apart from some of the other suburban summer fests, is the addition of the Des Plaines Art Guild’s Art Fair. It allows visitor the opportunity to browse and experience the original works of local artists in a variety of mediums from watercolor to oils to acrylics to sculptures.

The History Center also plays an active part in the Taste offering history "alamode!" Volunteers from the Des Plaines Historical Society sell "pie on the porch" of the historic Kinder Home, 789 Pearson Street. The lovely 1907 home setting is the perfect place to kick back and relax the way Great Grandma and Grandpa would have. Tours of the historic home are available…and right next-door at the History Center, 781 Pearson St., museum personnel will also offer crafts and games for children. It’s the perfect retreat!

The Special Events Commission relies heavily on sponsorships and donations from companies and individuals to fund the Taste. Last year organizers began promoting a tiered sponsorship program ranging from $750 for a bronze plate sponsorship to $1500 for a silver plate sponsorship to $2500 for a gold plate sponsorship. And Chairman Linda Forman reminds that no donation is too small.

"We have a variety of promotional packages that are available to our sponsors. The Taste of Des Plaines is all about the community and those who help make this event possible will receive our thanks and the attention they deserve through signage, the City’s website, the City’s cable channel, an opportunity to distribute information in our sponsorship tent and more," Forman said.

In addition, a raffle is planned for various gift certificates and prizes. Like last year, raffle tickets will be $1 and will be sold during the Taste. Those interested in being a Taste sponsor or donating to the raffle should contact Linda Forman at 847-922-0556.

Hours for the Taste of Des Plaines 2008 will be 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Friday, June 6, 2008; 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2008; and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sunday, June 8, 2008. Forman’s Taste Committee will soon begin meeting on a monthly basis.

According to Forman, there’s plenty to do in a relatively short period of time: "We’ve only just begun, but we need to address all kinds of things from security, to porta- potties, to garbage, to insurance liability to cleanup. No stones must be left unturned. But believe it or not, as Special Events Commissioners, we love it!" Forman says with a smile.

And it shows!

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