With more than 50,000 people expected, cooler weather than last
year and the now-complete Third Street Promenade in play, Taste of
Morgan Hill organizers are hoping the 21st annual two-day festival
is a hit.
With more than 50,000 people expected, cooler weather than last year and the now-complete Third Street Promenade in play, Taste of Morgan Hill organizers are hoping the 21st annual two-day festival this weekend is a hit.
“Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative this year,” said Chris Giusiana, president and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event. “The past couple of years the temperatures have gone above the 100s. With cooler weather predicted were sure everyone will stay longer to enjoy the festival.”
Last year temperatures soared to 100 and higher, but this year temperatures are expected to be a bit cooler, though nothing like the unusually cool temperatures experienced this summer. Saturday’s temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s, with Sunday’s in the mid-90s, according to a report from the National Weather Service website.
And when visitors stay longer, they tend to frequent local businesses.
“Downtown restaurants will see an increase this weekend, the hotels also see an increase as the venders will be staying there,” Giusiana said. “Stores throughout town we hope will see an increase in sales from visitors.”
Dann Creighton, Huntington Station’s owner, said this will be the first Taste of Morgan Hill since they moved from their Monterey Road location to Third Street, but historically the event days are some of the busiest of the year.
In contrast, for the Morgan Hill Cigar Company, the Taste of Morgan Hill isn’t as productive.
“Our business doesn’t do well on those days because it’s a family event and they don’t come here with kids,” Morgan Hill Cigar Company general manager Stephen Boyce said. “Also the front street is closed and our regular clients do not have place to park.”
But Rosy Bergin, owner of Rosy’s at the Beach, said the festival is a positive.
“The Taste of Morgan Hill isn’t just great for business,” Bergin said. “You get to see your neighbors and friends and it’s like a big reunion for people to get together.”
And there will be plenty to do for visitors. Check out classic cars, two stages of entertainment, a large kids zone, different genres of live music, and the public debut of “Zorro” the Turkey Vulture and “Wally” the Pygmy Owl from the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center.
There will also be about 160 commercial and arts and crafts vendors and 20 or more food vendors, according to Giusiana.
“If this is your first time at the Taste of Morgan Hill, take time to walk around and take in the Morgan Hill hospitality,” Giusiana said. “With a variety of things to do plan your visit to include shopping, dining and enjoying our town.”
