Waiter Races again a highlight of Taste of Glen Ellyn

It's all about confidence.

That's the explanation Drew Frerichs offered after repeating as champion in the third annual Waiter Races Saturday at the Taste of Glen Ellyn.

"It's confidence and some technique, too," he said.

Frerichs and his partner, Lauren Cizek, represented the Tap House Grill, one of five local establishments to field teams at the races. Also competing were servers from Santa Fe Restaurant, Shannon's Irish Pub, the Bells and Whistles Snackery and Glen Oak Restaurant.

The servers who competed had to carry a tray loaded with drinks around an obstacle course. At various points they had to put drinks down on tables. When they were finished, their partners went through the course, this time collecting the drinks from the tables. Teams were judged on their speed and how much liquid they allowed to spill.

When fully loaded, the trays weighed 14.5 pounds each, and the servers were allowed to use just one hand to carry them.

Cizek said she was incredibly nervous at the start of the race, which she thought helped her in the end.

"This was my first time doing it and I wanted to live up to what Drew had done before," Cizek said. "I was so nervous that it actually seemed easier than I expected it to be."

The Waiter Races were just a small part of the fun taking place at the Taste on Saturday, which was the final day for the 29th annual event. Fest-goers took advantage of Saturday's weather to enjoy food and drink, live music and a little shopping in downtown Glen Ellyn. The event is put on by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce.

"It's a great thing to bring your kids to," said resident Marcia Jackson. "And I usually meet some friends later in the day to eat and listen to some music. It's just a nice community thing we have."