Whether they were looking for a taste of good food or a swig of cold beer, hungry and thirsty Chico residents descended on downtown last Sunday for Taste of Chico.
Stephanie Yunker, event coordinator for the Downtown Chico Business Association, estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people came out to the event.
People of every age attended, mostly families and other adult local residents, she said.
The business participants at the event included more than 40 restaurants, 50 wineries and breweries and 15 non-alcoholic beverage booths, Yunker said.
There were additional booths for sponsors, she said.
Jim Malamatenios, president of Fuel, a new energy beverage, was very excited to be out in Chico.
“We are doing really well, even though it is our first year,” he said.
Any food and beverage establishment could participate in Taste of Chico, but only those who are not members of the DCBA have to pay a fee of $100, Yunker said. Businesses that are located in the downtown vicinity are mandatory members of the DCBA, she said.
Some of the busier food booths included Chada Thai Cuisine, whose line was almost around the block most of the afternoon.
“All the good places have long lines,” Spring Groteguth, a Chico State student and Diamond W Western Wear employee said. “This is crazy.”
Priya Indian Cuisine, Bellachino’s Cafe and Kinder’s Meats and Deli also had lines of people stretching down the sidewalk, waiting for a taste of food and drink.
Business participants and locals were all enjoying the day in Chico, learning about new places to eat, tasting a favorite snack from a favorite restaurant or even meeting new people.
“We love to come out to Taste of Chico,” said Amanda Lambert from Bellachino’s Cafe. “We see so many new faces and we hope to see them again at the cafe.”
Roseann Ginnochio, also a Bellachino’s Cafe employee, who was coating lemon cookies in powdered sugar, said that she loves to see customers at Taste of Chico.
Sponsors also had booths out on the streets, including Diamond W Western Wear, T-Mobile, Comcast, the Chico News and Review and most of the local radio stations such as KRQR 106.7 and KHSL 103.5.
Along with plenty of food, drink and business information, many forms of entertainment were available for everyone.
Diamond W Western Wear featured two miniature horses for people to and pet, while live music played on almost all corners from bands such as Dead Man’s Hand, Urban Legend and Mossy Creek.
Visitors could also stop in one of the art exhibits, which featured local artists and galleries.
“It’s amazing how many people come out here,” said Jessica Sandoval a Willows resident visiting Chico for the day. “This is really great for the community.”
Sandoval was looking forward to trying some new food and spending the day with her daughter, a Butte College student.
Even with all of the fun, Chico police were still keeping an eye out for disruptive people, Detective Stan Duitsman said.
“This is a real family atmosphere, and a beautiful day,” he said. “We just want to make sure no one disrupts it.”
Duitsman said he was happy to see Taste of Chico was busy as usual and was excited so many locals came out to the event.
Nicole Landini can be reached at
nlandini@theorion.com
Be the first to comment on this article!