Crowd finds more than food at Taste of Roselle

Sure, the main attraction will always be the onion blossoms, orange chicken, pizza, gyros and snow cones.

That is, after all, why they call it Taste of Roselle.

But on Sunday, the final day of the three-day annual festival, visitors who already sampled their favorite dishes from local vendors took time to test a few other activities that don't require a fork, spoon or straw.

While Bingo players checked their boards and Guitar Hero fans showed their savvy at demonstration booths, 7-year-old Ian O'Hara of Arlington Heights showed off his leg.

Or, more accurately, the temporary tattoo on his calf.

"I picked it because it was my favorite," Ian said of the design depicting a ferocious dog and chain.

His father, John O'Hara, and their friend Carrie Raymond, also of Arlington Heights, said they looked forward to the food variety but really came to the Taste for another reason: to see their friends perform with the band Woogie.

Other activities at this year's fair included children's carnival rides, live music, beanbag games sponsored by the Roselle Park District, child safety seat checks by the Roselle police, a craft fair, sand art for children and psychic readings.

Fest organizers said the fest normally attracts approximately 30,000 visitors and this weekend's turnout was impressive.

"I think we're up this year," said village Trustee Sam Tornatore, who was helping at the Bingo tent.

That increase meant profit for young entreprenure Catherine Lauk, 12, and her 9-year-old sister Loretta. The two girls set up a lemonade stand outside their house near the fest, attracting visitors with a deal of 25 cents per glass.

After grossing $18 by early Sunday, the girls said they didn't mind missing the food and fun nearby because they, too, were getting their own Taste of Roselle.

"We enjoy ourselves and sometimes our friends come to visit," said Catherine. "Plus, we get all the lemonade we want."