Taste of Glen Ellyn organizers stick with recipe for success

The Taste of Glen Ellyn has remained the same for nearly four decades.

Michael Formento, one of the event's founders, says that's a good thing.

Formento is head of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, which has run the Taste every year since 1977.

In fact, Formento says, the Taste of Glen Ellyn is a pioneer on the DuPage County festival circuit - and maybe even in all of the Chicago area.

"We were the first community that had a Taste-of event in Chicagoland, I believe," Formento says. The Taste of Chicago, for example, started in 1980.

"Now there are so many Taste events," Formento said. "And if we inspired them, of course that is the highest of compliments."

The long-running tradition will continue again this year, attracting roughly 25,000 over four days along Main Street for music, a craft show, business expo and, of course, food. The chamber of commerce also works with the Village Fair Committee to ensure Glen Ellyn's annual carnival coordinates with the taste.

The carnival begins Wednesday, May 13, while the Taste of Glen Ellyn begins the next day. Both events run through Sunday, May 17.

Roughly 50 percent of Glen Ellyn local eateries and businesses participate as food vendors and in the business expo, Formento said, with some establishments outside of the community rounding out the offerings.

In addition, local performers also traditionally get their moment to shine on stage. Formento said event organizers encourage local groups, such as Glen Ellyn's School of Rock students, to perform for their neighbors each day before popular fest bands like Hi Infidelity and 7th Heaven take the stage at night.

The biggest change at the taste happened about a decade ago, when it became so popular the event expanded from three days to four. That works out well, not only because it's one more day for the 25,000 visitors to sample more food, hear more bands and ride more rides. It also leaves a little wiggle room in case of bad weather, which is more likely due to Taste of Glen Ellyn's traditional spring date.

"We're always hoping for Mother Nature to stay positive," Formento said with a laugh.

If you go

What: Taste of Glen Ellyn

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday (carnival only) and Thursday, May 13 and 14; 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 15; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Where: Main Street Parking Lot next to Giesche Shoes, 400 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn

Cost: Free admission

Info: glenellynchamber.com