Published: August 19, 2008 11:48 am            

EDITORIAL: Taste of Lockport a local triumph

The annual Taste of Lockport this past weekend was a triumph that Lockport can be proud of.

The superlatives just roll off the tongue for an event that was a winner on all levels.

Twenty-eight vendors — said to be the most ever — tempted the tastebuds at a festive summer venue, Ida Fritz Park.

The crowds were estimated to be the biggest ever.

The bands — Flyin’ Blind Blues Band and Southbound — represented the best of the local music scene.

And the weather was superb, the sun breaking through and adding to the feel of a summer success.

Diane Cross, co-president of the Lockport Business Association confirmed by the numbers what participants surely guessed. “We certainly have the most vendors and I think it’s the most well-attended.”

Fran Stauff of Cambria concurred. “I’ve never seen it this crowded. ... and each year, it gets better.”

It’s a great day,” said Kris Ennis of Danny Sheenan’s Restaurant. “We sold out of everything and we doubled what we had last year.”

Culinary delights ranged from honey garlic chicken provided by One-Eyed Jacks to Guinness Chocolate Extra Stout ice cream whipped up by Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream. Starting with appetizers, moving on to sandwiches and entrees, and topping it off with desserts, those who attended could enjoy the equivalent of a full course meal with a smorgasbord of choices. Three wineries also were on hand: Schulze Vineyards & Winery of Burt, Freedom Run Winery and Niagara Landing Wine Cellars of Lockport brought samples to savor.

Jackie Connolly of Niagara Landing summed up the feeling that prompted them to participate again. “The setting is nice. It’s a chance to see friends, neighbors, fellow business associates.”

Naturally, the Taste of Lockport gives businesses a chance to shine, showing off their best cuisine to current customers and hopefully, drawing many new ones.

But the Taste is also all about camaraderie. In a summer that has seen the successful debut of the Molson Canal Concert series and another fantastic Niagara County Fair, the Taste of Lockport is a neighborly, laid-back social event that many look forward to each year.

The Taste of Lockport has something for everyone. Families, kids, old and young basked in the fun of trying new treats and meeting old friends. From high school kids to seniors, plenty of people found it a cool place to be, and many came back for seconds. Politicians were on the scene, enjoying the festivities and pressing the flesh.

Congratulations to restaurant winners: The Basket Factory for the best appetizer, Cammarata’s for best sandwich, Mrs. Ribs for best entree and Thaxton’s for best dessert.

But it’s important to remember that in an event like this year’s Taste of Lockport, everybody’s a winner.

        

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