Roselle Taste is back despite financial challenges
Even as village budget cuts put this year's Taste of Roselle to the test, organizers felt the tradition must continue.
“When this started 30 years ago, the intent was to create what was then called a street dance, an event for the community to come together and celebrate living in Roselle,” said Patty Burns, Roselle village clerk and a member of the festival commission. “(This) is critical to the uniqueness of Roselle.”
The annual Taste of Roselle returns Friday through Sunday, Aug. 5-7, along Main Street downtown, with 17 vendors from local eateries, carnival rides, games, crafters, music and more.
Traditionally, the event raised money for community projects like Miracle Field and park district picnic tables. But with the village suffering a budget crunch and unable to absorb the cost of overtime for police and public works to work during the festival, Burns said any profits will go back into paying for the fest.
“This really forced us to sit back and think ‘What is the purpose of this event? If we have to pay, are we going to take our toys and go home?'” Burns said. “But the commission thought the Taste was very, very special and acknowledged that it began so people could see their friends, neighbors and celebrate.”
By using festival proceeds to cover event expenses, the Taste will look and feel like the same event Roselle residents have made a tradition for 30 years.
The annual festival attracts 15,000 to 20,000 visitors over three days and features activities for children, which are free with a canned food donation for the Bloomingdale Food Pantry this year, as well as grown-up treats like a beer tent sponsored by the Roselle Lions Club and the Roselle Chamber of Commerce.
Several arms of the village also will offer activities, such as car safety seat checks by the Roselle Police Department and both a bags tournament and three-on-three basketball tournament hosted by the Roselle Park District.
Burns said the Taste commission will work to keep the tradition alive, especially as many communities must cancel their festivals due to budget woes.
“This is something village (leaders) have been very adamant about,” she said.
If you go
What: Taste of Roselle
When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Where: Main Street, Roselle
Cost: Free admission and parking
Info: roselle.il.us