(From the July 2006 issue)
Best Festival in Illinois—Taste of Chicago
It draws millions of people from all over the Midwest every year, so it should be no surprise that “Taste of Chicago” is the readers’ pick for “Best Festival in Illinois.” “Taste of Chicago” showcases the best of Chicago in a beautiful location (Grant Park by Buckingham Fountain) at the perfect time of year (late June-early July). In a city with many big tourist draws, “Taste of Chicago” is still Chicago’s premiere event.
“We have over three hundred different menu items, everything from Chicago specialties to exotic foods like alligator to some really outstanding ethnic cuisine,” city Special Events spokesperson Cindy Gatziolis told us. “But don’t forget we also have six entertainment areas with top named talent, and the entertainment is free.” Among the entertainers for the 26th annual “Taste of Chicago” this summer were the O’Jays, Glen Campbell, Jo Dee Messina, Ray Davies, Train, Macy Gray, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Dennis DeYoung.
And while the entertainers bring millions of attendees each year, the biggest draw is a different kind of show altogether: the spectacular July 3rd fireworks display.
“We never miss the fireworks,” reader Bill Nicholson told us. “They get better every year.”
