'Taste of Lombard' takes over community

The Taste of Lombard might be every pregnant woman's dream.

Or at the very least, the bevy of salty and sweet, fried and spicy, hot and cold food options should make their significant other's job easier.

Random cravings can all be satisfied in one stop at the 27th annual Taste of Lombard at Madison Meadow Park that features 28 food vendors.

"You can just go there and sit down in the food court and say, 'You know, Honey, I think I'd like some ribs," said Tim Piper, Taste of Lombard co-chairman. "You know, Honey, I need some ice cream. You know, Honey? The pizza looks really good too."

Expecting or not, everyone walks away having a good time, he said.

The festival opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 1, and runs through Sunday, July 4.

Fare includes hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, pizza, gyros, ice cream, corn on the cob, beef sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, fish, Cajun food, egg rolls, fried rice, chocolate dipped strawberries, funnel cakes, quesadillas, marinated portobello mushrooms, potato pancakes and more.

"It goes on and on and on," Piper said. "There's something for everybody."

Beyond food, the event includes main stage entertainment, family entertainment, bingo, arts and crafts and a carnival and family fun area with games and inflatable bounce houses.

Organized by the Lombard Jaycees, the festival serves as a main source of fundraising for 40 local organizations who earn money for volunteering.

It's the 55th year for fireworks, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. The show will be synchronized to music and simulcast on 101.5 FM.

"People have all those memories of the Taste of Lombard," Piper said. "They were going there as a kid and now they're bringing their own kids year after year. It is just a family friendly festival."

A $2 admission is being charged this year to make up for some of the village's budget cutbacks. Food and some activities are additional.

Taste of Lombard hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 1 and 2, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4. It takes place at Madison Meadow Park, 600 E. Madison St.

For information, visit tasteoflombard.com.

The festival runs 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 1 and 2, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, in Madison Meadow Park, 600 E. Madison St., Lombard. Admission: $2. Info: tasteoflombard.com.

THURSDAY5-8:30 p.m. Bungee run, children's area5:15 p.m. Stockwood, main stage6:30-7 p.m. Lombard Park District Dancers, children's area7:45-8:30 p.m. Mark Hayword the Yo-Yo Guy, children's area8 p.m. Lucky Town, main stageFRIDAY5-8 p.m. Defender Dome, children's area5:15 p.m. The Fold, main stage5:30-6:15 p.m. Mark Nichols Puppet Theater, children's area6:30-7 p.m. Magician Jason Kollum, children's area7 p.m. Bad Medicine, main stage7-8:30 p.m. Juggler and stilt walker, children's area9 p.m. ARRA, main stageSATURDAY12:30-4:30 p.m. St. Baldrick's, children's area1-4 p.m. Beagle Buddy Moon Walk, children's area1 p.m. Cammie Band, main stage1:30-5:30 p.m. Survivor obstacle course, children's area3-7 p.m. Bungee run, children's area3 p.m. Karen Hart, main stage4:30-5:30 p.m. Reptile Safari, children's area5 p.m. Hillbilly Rockstarz, main stage6-7 p.m. Radio Disney Road Crew, children's area7 p.m. Rico, main stage9 p.m. Wedding Banned, main stageSUNDAY12:30-1:30 p.m. Bob Hartwell, children's area12:30-3:30 p.m. 40-foot obstacle course, children's area1-5 p.m. Beagle Buddy Moon Walk, children's area1:30 p.m. Bobby Sanders w/ 16-piece orchestra, main stage2-4 p.m. Strolling magician, children's area3-7 p.m. Defender Doom, children's area3:30 p.m. The Meteors, main stage4:30-5:15 p.m. Singer Carol Weston, children's area5:30 p.m. Lombard Idol finalists, main stage6-6:45 p.m. Juggler Andy Head, children's area7 p.m. Sammy Ray and the Texas Flood, main stage9 p.m. Person to Person, main stage9:30 p.m. Fireworks10 p.m. Person to Person, main stageTrue20001489No matter what your taste buds are craving, festival-goers can find food to satisfy at the Taste of Lombard.Daily Herald File PhotoTrue <p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p><p class="News"><b>What:</b> Taste of Lombard</p><p class="News"><b>When:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 1 and 2; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4</p><p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Madison Meadow Park, 600 E. Madison St. between Grace Street and Westmore Meyers Road, Lombard</p><p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $2 admission; fees for food, rides and games</p><p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://tasteoflombard.com" target="new">tasteoflombard.com</a></p>