Taste of Orland Park kicks off on Friday

From staff reports

The Village of Orland Park’s annual Taste of Orland Park returns to Orland Park Village Center from Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.

Now in its 19th year, the Taste of Orland Park showcases Orland Park eateries, community organizations and several bands throughout the weekend. Special events within the fest include a two-day Kids’ Zone, the annual Taste of Orland Park car show, themed trivia contests and live entertainment on two stages. New this year is Battle of the Bands that includes a performance by the winner on the main stage on Sunday, August 7, at 6 p.m.

“The Taste of Orland Park is the event of the summer in Orland Park,” said Mayor Keith Pekau. “People look forward to the Taste of Orland Park every year,” he said. “It’s a great way to sample dishes from some the best restaurants in Orland Park, hear great music and participate in family-friendly activities.”

American English will be the headliner Sunday night on the last day of Taste of Orland Park. (Supplied photo)

The Taste will be held at the Orland Park Village Center, 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue, on Friday, August 5, from 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, August 6, from 1-11 p.m. and Sunday, August 7, from 1-9 p.m. Admission, parking and activities at the fest are all free. Participating restaurants will offer their signature dishes, beverages and desserts at individual food booths located throughout the complex.

Participating restaurants include 101 BBQ, Barraco’s Pizza, Beggars Pizza, The Brass Tap, Buona Beef, City BBQ, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Mo’s Chinese Kitchen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Pita Buena Mediterranean Grill, Pueblito, The Rainbow Cone, Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery and Tradycja Polish Fusion Cuisine.

“While many of the participating restaurants are long-time, local favorites, some are relatively new to the event,” Pekau said. “It’s great to see the large variety of local offerings from local franchises as well as many independently-owned restaurants.”

The Kids’ Zone is a two-day event, from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 and 7, on the Village. All activities are free of charge and fun for the whole family.

Hillbilly Rockstarz and Electric Avenue will perform on the main stage Friday night. Saturday’s entertainment will include Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings, Motor City and headliner 7^th Heaven.

Saturday’s happenings will also include a veterans’ tribute beginning at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the entertainment continues with Peter Oprisko’s Pop & Jazz Band, Mellencougar and then American English closes out the event from 7-9 p.m.

Free parking is available at a number of sites around the Village Center including the parking tower at 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue.

Guests may bring one sealed water bottle per person. No other outside food or drink will be allowed into the event. Bags will be inspected at entrance locations. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the event and reminded that no tables are allowed to be brought into the event site.

The presenting sponsor of the event is the University of Chicago Medicine. Sponsors also include Mazda of Orland Park, Waste Management, Comcast, Northwestern Medicine, The Human Race, Brannigan Chiropractic, Bath Planet, Com Ed, Mercedes Benz of Orland Park, Northern Illinois Coatings, V3 Companies, Asurion, Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union and Duluth Trading Company.

Complete Taste of Orland Park details are available online at www.orlandpark.org/taste.