For once it was okay to just stand in the middle of the street’well maybe it was the ninth time.
The annual Taste of Clarkston began to take shape on a rainy Saturday evening and took a bite out of Clarkston the following day, Sept. 24.
The event helped usher in the fall with several vendors serving up hot portions to wind-chilled attendees.
Organizers said attendance, despite less than ideal conditions, should be the same as last year, which was nearly 8,000.
Main Street was lined from Washington Street to Waldon Road with vendors dishing things up from ribs, sausage and Cyclone Pasta to cake and ice cream. The Clarkston Union also served up its famous Mac and Cheese, for ticket bearers.
‘I’m exhausted today from it (Taste of Clarkston),? said Chairperson Carolyn Parcha after the event.
Parcha said the light rain that invaded the festival nearly halfway through subsided and did not have a very negative impact on the crowd, which seemed to stay steadfast through the event.
‘So far we’ve heard good things, we’re quite happy,? Parcha said.
Dale Traver of Clarkston enjoyed the festival and the weather.
‘It’s a perfect fall day for it.?
Traver visited the event with his family, wife Melissa and daughter Kaylee, 13.
‘I think it’s cool that you can try all the different food,? Kaylee said. Her favorite item of the day was the ice cream from Cook’s Dairy Farm.
Parcha said the move for the Kids Zone to Depot Park turned out to be an excellent decision for the festival, after many people commented to her about its success.
The area offered plenty to do for all of the children, including face painting, carnival games, and multiple bounce around inflatable play areas.
The silent auction, which preceded the event, raised $4,300, enough to fund four scholarships for Clarkston High School students.
The least exciting part of the day, cleaning up after the all-afternoon event, only took little more than an hour. Parcha said volunteers and vendors worked hand in hand to put Clarkston back together.
One such volunteer, Eric Nordquist, a 9th grade student and Clarkston Junior High School served a tour of garbage cleanup duty during the event, but he still liked the occasion.
‘I like everyone coming together and the food, it’s fun,? Nordquist said.
Parcha said even hours after the event, she was getting ideas for the 2007 Taste of Clarkston.