A wide array of food, activities and booths will provide visitors with a night of family fun as the city of Reynoldsburg gears up for its annual neighborhood party.
The 11th annual Taste of Reynoldsburg will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at Taylor Road Elementary School, 8200 Taylor Road.
This year’s theme is "Picnic in Paradise."
"We try to keep it light and airy and make it appropriate for all ages, and to make it a fun theme," said Linda Smith, committee chair for the event. "It emphasizes the family purpose behind it."
Although the name of the event might imply it is a food-only event, Smith said The Taste of Reynoldsburg also spotlights the business community as well.
Nearly 50 business exhibitors and food vendors are expected at the event, she said, providing something for everyone.
In 2007, approximately 5,000 visitors attended the event.
"Every year, the number of visitors has grown," Smith said. "The cost is so affordable."
The event is free to attend, and food vendors sell samples of their dishes for $1 to $3.
The event also will include live music, inflatables, tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), games and a variety of food, including Mexican, barbecue, gyros, pizza and ice cream.
Several businesses will participate in the event for the first time as well, including Holly Hill Farms, which will serve corn on the cob, and Hickory House, which will serve ribs.
Eric Solomon will provide entertainment.
Services the city offers also will be on display, from the Reynoldsburg Police DARE cars and West Licking Fire Department fire trucks to Reynoldsburg Schools and Library.
Smith said she suggests visitors bring lawn chairs and blankets for additional seating.
