The Champaign Park District held its 43rd annual Taste of Champaign-Urbana this past Friday through Sunday.

The festival, which brings together local foods, music and arts, was located at West Side Park in Champaign. Tickets were sold at the event and could be spent on various foods and alcohol from local businesses throughout the three-day festival. All proceeds from the event benefited the Champaign Park District’s Youth Program Scholarship Fund. This fund is used to provide local youth who otherwise could not afford to participate in recreational programs due to financial problems. 

A wide variety of restaurants attended the fundraising festival. From Ko Fusion and Wingin’ Out to Smoothie King and Noodles and Company, festival goers had quite the selection of local foods. Despite the poor weather, the restaurants still saw a sufficient number of customers at each of their tents. 

Adrienne Wingler, assistant general manager at Manolo’s Pizzas and Empanadas, said that even with the unpleasant weather conditions, she felt the turnout was positive. 

“Despite the weather, there’s actually been a really good turnout. We’ve done quite well,” Wingler said. “(Friday) was really busy. Friday night is usually the night that everybody comes out. The rest of the weekend (the attendance) is more spread out. (The turnout) is decent for the rain and storm we just had.” 

Wingler went on to say that the festival does allow them to showcase their limited but diverse menu — consisting of both regular menu items and new additions — to new and returning customers every year. 

“We do the Taste of Champaign-Urbana every year,” Wingler said. “I believe this is our fifth year here. It gives people a good opportunity to sample our foods and to try the new products we’ve come up with.”

Jen Boyle, a member of the Champaign community, said that she enjoyed her first year attending the Taste of Champaign-Urbana event on Saturday. 

“I came to try the different foods. This is actually the first year I’ve been, and I’ve lived here for almost 10 years now,” Boyle said. “It’s good. I think there’s a pretty good crowd, even with the rain. There’s a good selection of different types of food; it’s not just all one thing.” 

Boyle said that she’d tried a couple of the foods offered and found them “delicious.” 

“I had a raspberry cheesecake empanada from Manolo’s,” she said. “It was delicious. I also got a Thai Iced Coffee from Siam Terrace.” 

Boyle went on to say that she will definitely be returning next year “even if it’s cold and rainy.” 

“I really wish I’d come earlier than (this year),” she added.

Other than food, the festival hosted a variety of local bands. Ryan Ideus and the Feudin’ Hillbillys, Outbound Drive and Mhondoro were all scheduled to perform at the event. There were also other arts and crafts available for purchase throughout the weekend. 

Austin can be reached at [email protected].