With over 150 fine arts and crafts vendors and an expected
40,000 people this weekend, the Taste of Morgan Hill has a little
taste for just about everyone.
With over 150 fine arts and crafts vendors and an expected 40,000 people this weekend, the Taste of Morgan Hill has a little taste for just about everyone.
Crowds began arriving before the official 10 a.m. start time down the Monterey Road stretch where roads are closed from Main down to Dunne Avenues.
For Nancy Stenger of San Jose, this is her first Taste of Morgan Hill, walking alongside of friend and multi-time visitor Roberta Curtis, who grew up in Gilroy.
“People are friendly, there are great stores,” said Stenger, who visited Carta Luna in the morning. “We like people who can create crafts. We get amazed at all the creativity.”
For store owner Teri Shindler of The Raggedy Heart on Monterey Road, weekends such as these are a merchant’s lifesaver, she said.
“We love having festivals and activities downtown. It’s a no-brainer. I think our shops all have the items, we just have to bring people in,” she said. “Probably this weekend will pay my rent.”
Just before 1 p.m. the United Academy of Marital Arts performed demonstrations on the corner of Monterey and West Second in front of the Second Street stage to a cheering crowd.
“I just enjoy looking at things and seeing people,” said Curtis. “It’s a great thing to do, especially on a beautiful day.”
The sun was shining in the mid 70’s by noon, according to weather.com with highs expected in the upper 70’s.
For Sister Rachela of the Saint Louise Regional Hospital, who was handing out about 1,000 sunscreen, lip balm and hand sanitizer items at a first aid station outside of the Granada, she too enjoys watching the people go by, she said.
Volunteer Lindsay Podesta who sat along Sister Rachela today giving out first aid items, said there were not many injuries.
“It’s been very quiet so far, we only gave out one band-aid,” she said at 1:15 p.m. “And it was for a blister.”
At 2 p.m. today, onlookers may have had a sudden surprise on the corner of Monterey and West Third in front of the stage: a flashmob suddenly began dancing to LMFAO’s hit song “Party Rock Anthem.”
Lisa Yearton, of Morgan Hill has been coming to the Taste since 1983 and was part of today’s flashmob.
“It was kind of fun,” she said, while enjoying a glass of chardonnay from the wine tasting tents. The flashmob lasted several minutes and was formed by a 24 Hour Fitness class instructor and her class.
Also wandering around on Saturday was a familiar face from the Morgan Hill Unified School District school board, vice president Kathy Sullivan who today was representing the American Association of University Women.
“It’s part of the fun to get out and meet people and tell them about our organization,” she said, enjoying a blue-flavored snow cone. Sullivan attends every year with family, this year being her 17th, she said.
Chris Giusiana, president of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce said new this year’s Taste has an expanded Kids Zone and a tailgate party with former 49er Dwight Clark. The beer and wine garden also features a large tent for extra shade this year.
For a real taste of a local favorite, cupcake enthusiast and owner of Lulu’s Cupcake Shoppe JoAnn Marshall took the opportunity this weekend to unveil a Taste of Morgan Hill exclusive: margarita and strawberry margarita flavored cupcakes.
“We use fresh ingredients: fresh lemon, lime,” she said. “The best seller today has been the Chocolate Lover. It has chocolate cake, caramel filling, ganache frosting and sugar pearls on top.” Enough to make any taster’s mouth water.
For Officer Michael Brookman of the Morgan Hill Police Department, who was patrolling the streets with a big smile, said there were no problems at all on Saturday.
“The food booths are doing really well, everyone is raving about the car show, and a lot of people from out of town are seeing how great it is to be here in Morgan Hill,” he said. “The only complaint I’ve heard, is it’s not clear which one is the recycle bin.”
The Taste of Morgan Hill will continue till 6 p.m. today and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
