Vendors report decline in Taste of Chicago patrons

While city officials haven't released final numbers, Taste of Chicago vendors say there were fewer visitors this year to the annual food festival.

Robinson's No. 1 Ribs owner Charles Robinson says his sales dropped 30 to 40 percent. He tells the Chicago Sun-Times he will be lucky to break even this year.

Robinson contends reduced hours, the lack of big-name entertainment and July 3 fireworks show — plus the still-lagging economy — all contributed to the poor turnout.

At its peak in 2006 and 2007, the 31-year-old festival drew 3.6 million visitors. The numbers dropped to 2.65 million last year after the July 3 fireworks show at Grant Park was canceled.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the city will look at the festival to determine how to do it better.