The 31st annual Taste of Bloomington event at Showers Common takes place Saturday, bringing together some of Bloomington's best restaurants, wineries and breweries along with live musical entertainment.
Preparations were well underway Friday morning as the city and local businesses began gearing up for the celebration.
"We put in as much as we possibly can during the day today, and then our restaurants will start moving some things in tonight," Talisha Coppock, the event co-director, said.
Electricians, builders and were all present on-site to help with ground, stage and tent setup. After an early end to the Farmer's Market Saturday at noon, event organizers and volunteers will have three hours to move all the restaurants in, set up tables and chairs and position themselves for the crowd.
Coppock said about 12,000 people are expected to attend this year's festivities, which she says is one of the biggest tasting events for a town of Bloomington's size, particularly in Indiana.
"I think it really helps us further establish ourselves as a food town," Coppock said. "This is a time to really make [our restaurants] shine."
Around town, business owners and employees have been preparing samples of their food, beer, wine, and other offerings. Mark Cady, business manager for the Bloomington Brewing Company, says it is an honor to be involved in the unofficial "kickoff" for summer.
"We love to be a part of that. It's trying to get your name out to those who don't know it, and at the same time trying to participate in allowing people to have a really good time," he said.
Coppock said the overlap with the Arts Fair on the Square, running Saturday morning just down the street, provides for a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.
"Just the mix of art and music and food and fun times makes it one of the best days in Bloomington," he said.
Taste of Bloomington runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Showers Common, next door to Bloomington City Hall. Cost of admission is $7 per person, with children under 12 free.
