They have it down to a science.
More Top Picks Best Quiet Air Purifiers For Sleeping
“We kind of have a formula that’s worked at the Taste of Joliet where we try to have rock music on Friday night, then we do country on Saturday and then on Sunday we do Hispanic music,” said Brad Staab, executive director of the Joliet Park District.
This year’s festival is no exception. After a two-year hiatus, the Taste of Joliet returns with a weekend filled with music, food and fun.
“We hope to see everyone back out,” Staab said. “We’re excited to bring it back after missing the last couple of years.”
The Taste runs 3 p.m.-12 a.m. June 24, 12 a.m.-12 p.m. June 25 and 12-8 p.m. June 26 at Joliet Memorial Stadium in Joliet. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people to the city.
“On Friday and Saturday if the weather’s nice, we’ll get around 25,000 people.
Sunday’s usually around 10,000,” Staab said. “It’s great. It’s gotten really big.”
Hosted by the Joliet Park District, the event raises funds for the district’s operating budget, Staab said.
Each year the festival brings a variety of big name entertainment to the stadium’s stage. Headlining this year Ann Wilson of Heart on June 24. Also performing that day is Collective Soul, Sugar Ray, 7th Heaven and Hot Mess.
Brett Young headlines country day on June 25, with Jimmie Allen, Maddie & Tae, Matt Stell and Gen Fuze also performing.
June 26 brings headliner Lupillo Rivera to the stage. Also scheduled are Banda Potrillos, Heroes del Norte and DJ Events Pro.
Tickets are available online at tasteofjoliet.com. They’re also available the day of the show.
“So you can walk right up to the gate and purchase them as you’re walking in,” Staab said.
Serving up a variety of food items are 22 vendors from Joliet area eateries.
“Probably 70 percent of our food vendors are returning, but we have some new name too,” Staab said.
New this year is Sunshine Mexican Cafe, serving tacos, pambazo, flautas, nachos, elote cups and fresh fruit with tajin. Also at the Taste for the first time is Grz Grub offering pretzel bites, charcuterie boxes; Tony’s Greek Food with gyros and Greek bowls and RS Concessions serving Italian ice, nachos and more.
“If you’ve been to the Taste you’ll see a lot of familiar names on the list as well,” Staab said.
Among the crowd favorites returning are Marino’s Kitchen, Greek Delights, Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood and more.
“The Joliet firefighters have a corn booth,” Staab said. “That one’s always a favorite as well.”
The full food vendor list is available online at the Taste of Joliet website.
A carnival will offer unlimited daily ride tickets from 4 to 8 p.m. June 24 or 1 to 5 p.m. June 25-26 for $30. Unlimited daily rides are also available from 6 to 10 p.m. June 25 for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the carnival midway.
For children the Kid Zone is open from 12 to 6 p.m. June 25 and 12 to 5 p.m. June 26. Activities include inflatables, face painting and balloon animals. Children will once again have the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favorite princesses and superheroes from 1 to 3 p.m. June 26.
“Those are a big hit in the area so we just want to make sure that everybody knows they’ll be here from 1-3 (p.m.) Sunday,” Staab said.
Staab called the weekend “a true community event” that brings together the entire Joliet community, including the Joliet Park District, Joliet Police and Joliet Fire departments, sponsors and close to 200 volunteers.
More Top Picks Hoover Linx Bh50010
“Thank you to everyone who either comes to the Taste or helps make it happen,” Staab said. “It’s turned into a really big event only because everyone pulls together and helps out.”
Taste of Joliet
When: June 24-26
Where: Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Tickets: General admission: $10-$20, $60 front reserved section; children 10 and younger accompanied by an adult are free
Information: 815-741-7275; tasteofjoliet.com
Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.