St. Charles gives downtown 'Taste' another try

When St. Charles' First Street businesses come together for a redo of "A Taste on the Plaza" Sunday, the celebration will be as much a testimony to the will to survive as it will be an introduction of the space to the community.

Businesses in the area of the massive First Street development project have endured a recession, ongoing construction and unanticipated stalls to the financing and progress of the project. And yet, they're still there.

"This is an extremely important event," said David Richards, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and Fifth Ward alderman. "It gives us an opportunity to showcase what we believe is an exciting and attractive venue for people to congregate. And, it's also to show that most, if not all, of the businesses that survived the construction are still there. They are still providing the same great food and service and products that they always have, and we have some new and exciting businesses that have joined them."

The event was originally slated for Aug. 16. The tents were set up. The restaurants were ready to dish out food. But then the rain came and ruined it all. Even as the clouds burst, local families who came out began asking if the businesses might try doing it over again. With the blessing of more money from the city, business sponsors jumping back on board and about 18 restaurants firing up their ovens again, the "Taste" is ready for round two. And this time, it will be weather proof. The businesses on display will setup within the shelter of the parking garage to guard against any unexpected weather.

"This is a great opportunity for our community," Richards said. "Even in the face of this lousy economy, we're going to showcase our successes."

It will also be a chance for local residents and leaders to bid adieu to Richards himself. The taste will be the final event for Richards in his role as executive director of the partnership. Richards has not yet decided where he'll land in a new job, but plans to make an announcement as soon as he decides which of the new job options he's exploring he'll take.

"It's my last hurrah," Richards said.

The event will occur from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The plaza is the area just north of the new parking deck downtown, between First and Second streets, and behind the 100 block of West Main Street.