Published in the August 31 – September 13, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Mug-McDonald-Janis

Janis McDonald

Visitors to the 27th Annual Taste of Morgan Hill held in historic downtown Sept. 24 and 25 will see some changes.

One of those changes will be the Saturday evening concert, which will be held on East Third Street near the two palm trees.

We are always working to bring in new arts and crafts vendors and this year will feature some exciting artisans. We have partnered with the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau and are looking forward to the displays they’ll bring in and we will be pouring mimosas at the wine and beer tent for those who like a morning cocktail.

We are always working to upgrade the quality of art and crafts vendors while including some of the longtime vendors who make a point of joining us every year, and we promise a fun, hometown festival that attracts more than 50,000 people.

With the construction of Third and Fourth streets complete and with plenty of seating at tables with umbrellas in front of the stage, visitors can relax, eat and enjoy the music. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of room to dance.

Playing on the main Third Street stage from 1 to 2:30 Saturday is Mike Osborne, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. is Mark Maynard and from 5 to 7 p.m. is Soul Kiss. Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fast Lane Band will take the stage, from 1 to 3 p.m. Rock the Heat will play and from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The Hitmen will play.

South Valley Civic Theater will perform 10-minute live musical selections of the “The Little Mermaid Jr.” at 6 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

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. There will also be a kids’ stage with shows from local children’s performing arts businesses throughout both days.

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.

Returning 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.

There is something for every age group. We hope to see you all downtown the last weekend of September. Come enjoy the Taste of Morgan Hill, a favorite way to close out the summer season. There’s plenty of parking at the new downtown parking garage (enter on Fourth Street), at the VTA parking lot and the lot on Depot Street.

Visit our website at www.morganhill.org for more information.

Janis McDonald is the director of operations for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.