Attendees dig into the goodies at Taste of Roselle

Gray skies and the threat of rain might have kept some folks away from the Taste of Roselle on Saturday afternoon, but those who attended didn't regret the decision one bit.

"I love coming to things like this," resident Ray Stevens said between bites of a steak sandwich from Chicago Prime Market. "It's just a nice, hometown summer event."

The 29th annual Taste of Roselle runs through Sunday on Main Street between Roselle Road and Park Street. It includes carnival rides, a craft fair, bingo games, live music and of course, lots and lots of food.

Several food vendors said the early crowds on Saturday were slower than they had been on Friday, attributing the difference to Saturday's overcast skies.

Chris Bucaro, co-owner of Rosario's Pizzeria, wasn't too worried.

"The weather looks like it will hold up, and I think tonight will be very busy," he said.

When asked what he enjoys about participating in Taste of Roselle, Bucaro smiled and said "community."

"We're a family restaurant with only one location since 1976," he said. "Community is what we're about, and this event gives us a chance to celebrate that."

Janice Wilmington said that while the carnival is the big hit for her 10-year-old son, it's the food that makes the event for her.

"I usually eat too much, actually, but it's just once a year," she said, laughing.

Wilmington added that she was particularly eager to try the Italian ice cream sold by Gelato di Roma.

Proceeds from the Taste of Roselle are invested back into the community. Since it started, the event has generated more than $350,000 for improvement projects that have benefitted local schools, parks and civic groups.

For details about the event, visit roselle.il.us.