SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — One of Central New York’s summer traditions is set to return to Syracuse this weekend as Taste of Syracuse prepares for thousands to gather in Clinton Square.
Carrie Wojtaszek is organizing the event for the 17th year and says the festival’s appeal goes beyond the food.
“I fell in love with the idea of bringing the community together, you know, pretty much all around food and music,” Wojtaszek said. “It’s just a really great festival.”
The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is expecting 74 food vendors, all offering a variety of sample dishes and beverages for $2. Attendees can also enjoy performances across three live music stages throughout the weekend.
Saturday morning will kick off with both 3K and 5K races, while Perseverance Park will host art displays from local artists.
For many vendors, the draw to return to the event is the community that it brings together.
“I think this is now my 17th or 18th year,” said Jay Cartini, owner of Carvel Ice Cream in DeWitt. “It’s a Syracuse tradition. It’s nice to get out and hang out with the community.”
“You definitely get to see a lot of different people that you wouldn’t normally by our store over on Westcott Street,” Tori Recuparo of Boom Babies said. “When you’re downtown, you kind of get a little bit of everybody.”
Wojtaszek echoed the sentiment, saying one of her favorite parts of the event is watching the community come together after a long Central New York winter.
“We kind of hibernate. We have long winters here in Central New York, and it’s great to see everyone come out and just support the local businesses, the local restaurants and the local musicians,” she said. “It’s really a festival about bringing people together.”
In addition to longtime favorites, visitors can expect new experiences this year. Wojtaszek said the festival continues to bring in new food vendors and musical acts, giving attendees something different to discover each year.
“Every year we get new vendors in, so we encourage everyone to come check out the $2 samples,” she said. “We’ve got great food and each year we bring in new bands as well. So not only are you getting a taste of the food, but also a taste of Central New York’s finest music.”
As thousands prepare to head downtown this weekend, Wojtaszek offered one final piece of advice for festivalgoers.
“Come out, it’s a great time. Support local business,” she said. “Come hungry.”