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Taste entices visitors to bring hearty appetites, room for fun

Date: 5/26/2010

May 26, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD - Organizers of the 2010 West Side Taste of the Valley are encouraging attendees to bring hearty appetites with plenty of room for fun.

This year's Taste, the Rotary Club's largest annual fundraiser, promises to be bigger than ever, entertaining the masses from June 3 to 6 with more than 40 restaurants, upwards of 10 musical acts, a Saturday cruise and a "Jazzy 5K."

"We had so much success last year that we decided to continue with a variety of restaurants and improve band selection," Rotary President Greg Neffinger said, adding that last year's Taste was the club's highest grossing ever.

Neffinger and Noreen Tassinari, public relations and marketing coordinator for the Taste, attributed last year's success to the high demand for "stay-cations" during the economic recession.

"We did find that more people were looking to find more cost-effective options [for entertainment] in the community," Tassinari said. "You can connect [at the Taste] with your family and friends and have a good time in a good, safe environment."

She explained the club's aim has been to build on last year's theme of international cuisine.

"[We're] offering a great little 'taste of the Valley,'" Tassinari added.

Angelo's, Athens' Delight, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Moolicious, Olive Garden, Pintu's, Storrowton Tavern and Carriage House and Tokyo Asian Cuisine are just some of the restaurants participating this year.

Entertainment will include performances by the Kings, Orange Crush, Time Trippers, the Southern Comfort Band, Jimmy Mazz and many more.

The Taste will also feature its annual Saturday Cruise, which invites the public to show off their antique and special interest cars in an effort to win gift certificates and other prizes from local vendors.

Tassinari noted that a new event this year is the "Jazzy 5K" on June 6. Racers will receive a food coupon redeemable at the Taste as well as a T-shirt.

Attendees will also be privy to BMX bike demonstrations, a petting zoo, tours of the Old Day House and other events.

"The West Springfield Rotarians have been working really hard to improve every part of the Taste," Neffinger said.

For more information about the events featured in the 2010 Taste, visit the event Web site at www.westsidetaste.com.