'Taste of Pontiac' coming June 15

Get a taste of downtown Pontiac…literally.

A “Taste of Pontiac & All Things Local” event is set for Saturday, June 15 with tickets sold outside of Julie Moore’s Remax office on the corner of Madison and Mill Streets. They are $1 each or 6 for $5. The taste runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

“This is our big downtown community-wide open house,” said Main Street Manager Misty Bell. “I’m confident this will be something people look forward to every year.”

Various food vendors and other businesses will be featured. It is a ticket a taste and some places may do multiple tickets for a taste. Bell would like to see this showcase every single part of Pontiac.

That weekend will also include events on June 14, such as the Municipal band concert at Riverside Park and Cody Calkins and Bob & Ringo’s Tavern. June 15 includes the farmers market 8 a.m. to noon, historic home tours 1-3 p.m. and a car cruise. Plus, June 16 is the Rusty Wheel Circle Jam at The Eagle from 1 to 4 p.m.

The downtown Pontiac farmer’s markets happen each week through Oct. 26 which is from 8 a.m. to noon. Organizers want it to have a positive impact to showcase what is happening. As of late May, 16 vendors had signed-up for the market so far. Washington Street is blocked off for the entire market.

“I’m very excited about the farmer’s market,” said Bell.

Bell attended the Main Street America Conference which saw good attendance. Illinois has a new Main Street director and a group from Tennessee presented a youth program from their school. The Main Street program’s four-point approach was also covered.

“It was overwhelming,” stated Bell.

Bell spoke at the Downtown Pontiac Main Street Huddle meeting in May, hosted by the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce.