Taste of Valley serves up delectable weekend

June 9, 2010.
By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Who knew pork on a fork could be a delectable hit at West Side's Taste of the Valley? Jamie Duclos, owner and chef for The Ultimate BBQ, has never had a doubt.

He lived up to his claim that he could get just about anyone to come to his booth to try a sample. Giant triangle in hand and a thunderous voice beckoned those at the event making him stand out from the many vendors as he cooked through 350 pounds of pulled pork, shredded cheese and coleslaw.

Hundreds flocked to the 2010 Taste, little ones for the petting zoo, some teenagers for the fried food and rides and others just for affordable, local entertainment, which benefited the Rotary Club.

Duclos said he returned to the Taste for the second year because it's one of the few left in New England.

Allen Taylor and Beverly Phillips echoed Duclos's sentiments, adding that they come back as spectators each summer to relax on the Town Common and enjoy live music.

"I've come every year since it started. I come down to pig out," Taylor said with a chuckle.

Kelly Becker of West Side and a mother of two explained she takes her children to the Taste on opening day, June 3, because the event is "less crowded and more personable" than other larger entertainment venues in the area.

Total earnings for 2010 Taste were unavailable by press time, however, the annual events have raised upwards of $10,000 for the West Springfield Rotary Club historically. The club uses the funds for student scholarships, community outreach and to benefit missions of Rotary International.