Some exciting changes in store for 26th annual event

Published in the Sept. 16-29, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Staff Report

Morgan Hill Life file photo A Gilroy Elks Lodge volunteer cooks mushrooms during last year’s festival.

Morgan Hill Life file photo
A Gilroy Elks Lodge volunteer cooks mushrooms during last year’s festival.

Visitors to the 26th Annual Taste of Morgan Hill held in historic downtown Morgan Hill Sept. 26 and 27 will see some exciting changes. Included in the event is an enhanced Saturday night concert featuring two great bands, new arts and crafts vendors and a DJ downtown near Third Street to entertain festival-goers.

“We are always working to upgrade the quality of fine art and crafts vendors while including some of the longtime vendors who make a point of joining us each and every year,” said Janis McDonald, director of operations for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the festival. “We promise a fun, hometown festival that attracts more than 50,000 people.”

Visitors will see other changes this year due to the downtown road and infrastructure improvements. Third and Fourth streets will be closed and the installation of the city’s highly successful Pop-up-Park means the wine and beer tent will most likely be moved to the middle of Monterey Road. Wines from South Valley vintners will be featured throughout the festival.

The special Saturday night concert — featuring The Bay Area All Stars Band and Entourage — will be held at the Downtown Amphitheater instead of a stage on West Third Street like last year. The move should accommodate more people and provide a better venue for concert-goers, said Chamber chairman of the board Rich Firato. The Bay Area All Stars Band hits the stage from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Entourage will play from 8 to 10 p.m.

A new and expanded Kids Zone with more rides and games will be featured in the same parking lot location next to downtown’s Wells Fargo Bank. Returning will be the pony rides and petting zoo, annual popular attractions.

Also returning are the Locavores, a group of locally grown and sourced foods. The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, a longtime staple at the festival and a favorite of children, will return to its usual spot on the west side of Monterey Road between Second and Third streets.
New this year will be several locations set up throughout the festival for acoustic acts that will feature solo or duet musicians performing both days.

The Taste’s Classic and Custom Car Show will be held on Monterey Road from Dunne Avenue to Fourth Street. The annual Harvest Quilt & Fiber Arts Show will take place inside the Community and Cultural Center.

“If you’re a longtime resident, we hope to see you downtown the last weekend of September,” McDonald said. “If you’re new to town, come enjoy the Taste of Morgan Hill, a favorite way to close out the summer season.”

Details

What: Taste of Morgan Hill
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27
Where: Historic downtown Morgan Hill
What: Saturday night concert
When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26
Where: Downtown Amphitheater