By Constance Taylor

taste of Chicago in 1980 a group of restaurant lovers approached the mayor of Chicago with the idea of a food festival on the fourth of july,and taste of Chicago was born. Inspired by a 'build it and they will come,, attitude and a initial budget of 150, and the confidence that this event would be a success and would attract 75,000 people the initial 1 day event plan was under way.thisinitial food frenzy was a huge success. the festival was held in a three block area of Michigan avenue bordered by the Chicago river and the upscale stores stores that were then beginning to grace the magnificent mile; and between the Wrigley building and the tribune tower. It was a huge success. Approximately 250,000 people attended the first taste of Chicago celebration. This festival was destined to forever change the way Chicago celebrated the fourth of July.

Due to the overwhelming response from the people of Chicagoan large space to accommodate even more people and restaurants was deemed necessary so in 1981,taste of Chicago was moved to a new location know as grant park also know as Chicago's front yard. Grant park in centrally located, easily accessible to public transportation and parking. The use of grant park as a venue would also afford utilization of the petrillo music shell, originally designed for use by the grant park symphony orchestra. This handily gave access to a stage, dressing rooms and showers for performers, as well as seating for 5000 people.

Taste Of Chicago The Taste of Chicago has become the worlds largest and best known food festival, held annually for 10 days in Chicago starting Friday before the 4th of July and ending the Sunday following. This event is the largest Festival in Chicago. Every year millions of Chicagoans, and tourists from around the World flock to Grab Park to enjoy the variety of food prepared by Chicago's most popular restaurants. Other events also include live music on multiple stages, informational and family oriented pavilions, nightly film performances, Musical acts vary from established and emerging local artist to nationally know artists. All performance are free. July 3 is by far the events most attended day. On July 3rd the city holds its independence Eve Fireworks display. This takes place at dusk off the downtown shore of Lake Michigan, and is often ranked as one of the most impressive Fireworks displays in the nation.

The taste of Chicago that evolved from that steamy July 4th in 1980 is the second largest Tourist attraction in the state of Illinois. For ten days, this free admission festival, now in its 27th year, is the place to be, infusing the city with a holiday spirit and attraction leading stories and events. It is and impressive scene. Colorfully decorated tents surrounding the outside kitchens of more than 70 restaurants from all over the Chicago land, Which also includes a daily upscale Restaurant serving in the Gourmet Pavilion. Exotics aromas perm ante the air and no visitor leaves a food booth empty handed.

Taste Of Chicago Conclusion The popularity of this event has spawned numerous offshoots and equivalents throughout the the country and beyond, such as City fest in Detroit, the Taste of the Dan forth in Toronto, the Taste of Minnesota in St. Paul Mn. Taste of Cincinnati, Taste of Addison, Taste of Dallas, Taste of Peoria Illinois and the Bite in Portland.