Taste of Clarkston turns downtown into outdoor feast

Main Street in historic downtown Clarkston is the spot for the 15th annual Taste of Clarkston Sunday, Sept. 23, 12-6 p.m. Co-hosted by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Independence Township , and City of the Village of Clarkston, this event features over 30 local restaurants and 50 exhibitors.
‘We are very excited by the addition of Joe’s Crab Shack, Lik Gelato Bar, Mesquite Creek, River Rock Bar & Grill and Wendy’s to this year’s lineup,? Penny Shanks, Clarkston Area Chamber Executive Director said.
They will join returning restaurants Brioni’s Caf?, Buckshots Bar & Grill, Bullfrogs Bar & Grill, Clarkston Union, Costco, Culligan, Culvers, Deer Lake Athletic Club, Essence on Main, Fountains Golf & Banquet, Gregg’s Gourmet Caf?, Hamlin Pub, MacPhee’s Restaurant and Pub, Mr. B’s Roadhouse, Oakhurst Golf & Country Club, O’Malley’s Galley, Paint Creek Country Club, Papa Romano’s, Pete’s Coney II, Pizzeria Dolce, Rainforest Caf?, Rudy’s Gourmet Market and Catering, Stir Crazy, Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill, Tropical Smoothie Caf?, Union Woodshop and Via Bologna.
The center stage features live music on Church Street. Entertainment sponsored by LaFontaine Automotive Group and Genisys Credit Union will include TJ Craven, The Locals, Solid Rockers and Toppermost (a Beatles Tribute Band).
For updated information on the restaurant menus, item prices and the entertainment schedule visit www.clarkston.org or like Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
WSCX Classic Rock 94.7 will also be on site, broadcasting near the Taste of Clarkston People’s Choice Award winner for 14 years in a row: The Clarkston Union.
Family friendly, Taste of Clarkston has no cover charge. Visitors purchase food tickets on site at the event in the quantity you want to use. There is no cost for children’s activities and entertainment.
Radio Disney 910 Road Crew is taking over the Washington Street parking lot providing live entertainment and activities. Additional KidZone activities in Depot Park including bounce houses and carnival games are made possible by the generous support of Al Deeby Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and The Learning Experience.
‘This year we have also added a charitable component and focus for our event. Habitat for Humanity and Blessings in a Backpack will be on site with information and opportunities to show your support,? adds Shanks.
The Rotary Beer and Wine Tent, Clarkston Union Oktoberfest Beer Tent and pop up entertainment offer lots of entertainment options for visitors. Head down to Depot Park for more exhibitors, restaurants and lots of KidZone activities.
Visitors to the Taste of Clarkston enjoy free parking and free shuttle bus service from nearby school lots: Clarkston Elementary, Clarkston Junior High School, Clarkston Renaissance High School off Waldon Road and Clarkston High School on Flemings Lake Road, starting 11:30 a.m. and running to 6:30 p.m.
Immediately following Taste of Clarkston, guests are encouraged to adjourn to Calvary Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass, Clarkston for a Benefit Concert with Alexander Zonjic and friends 6 p.m. While there is no charge for admission, a free will offering benefitting Habitat for Humanity will be taken during the event.
Taste of Clarkston is located on Main Street in the center of the village of Clarkston.
Take exit 91 off I-75, head south on Main Street and follow the detour signs to Clarkston High School.
Or take Exit 89 (Sashabaw Rd.), head South to Waldon Rd., turn right and follow the signs to park at Clarkston Elementary, Junior High School or Renaissance High School.
Many area businesses and volunteers support Taste of Clarkston, including Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union, McLaren Clarkston, Flagstar Bank, Baker College, Vein Solutions, Advanced Physical Therapy Center, C&L Ward, Lifepointe Chiropractic, Clarkston Medical Group, Renewal by Anderson, Del Webb, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, Smith’s Disposal & Recycling, Randy Hostler Buick GMC, and Clarkston Dermatology.