Taste of Roselle's frugal ways paying dividends

As Roselle prepares to launch its 28th annual Taste of Roselle in the midst of a recession, organizers are realizing their frugal tradition is paying off.

Instead of hiring famous rock acts or cover bands who are popular on the local circuit, the village always hosts auditions, and bands agree to play just for fun and exposure.

Village Clerk Patty Burns, who has served on the Taste committee for 18 years, said this helped the village keep the fest alive in a rough economy.

"We do not pay anything for our entertainment, but our schedule is always full because people want to participate," said Burns. "I think that says a lot about how we do things."

This year's fest runs July 31 to Aug. 2 along Main Street, and features performances by more than a dozen musical acts, a craft show, children's entertainment, a carnival and, of course, food sold by local businesses. Twenty restaurants will have booths on site, while the American Legion will sell ice cream, and the Roselle Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce will host a beer garden.

Organizers are still accepting both sponsors and volunteers to help with events at the fest, including the Bingo tent that is popular each year. The help will be needed to manage approximately 20,000 people who visit the Taste when the weather cooperates.

Burns said she's hoping this summer's rainy weather trend will hold off for the fest, because the village hopes to raise money. Each year, proceeds benefit community projects like the gazebo at Turner's Pond, the Roselle Historical Museum handicap ramp, library computer equipment, a thermal imaging camera for the fire protection district, the Roselle Racers Swim Team and more than a dozen other projects.

Since, 1982, the fest has raised more than $300,000 for local initiatives.

"A lot of communities around us have canceled their fests because of the economy, but we're hoping we have a good showing so we can help these projects," Burns said.

For details on volunteering or sponsorship, call Gail Croson at the Roselle Chamber of Commerce at (630) 894-3010 or visit rosellechamber.com. For details on Taste of Roselle and a complete schedule of events, visit roselle.il.us.