Chicago's annual foodie festival the Taste of Chicago will undergo big changes in 2012. The event will last five days instead of the traditional ten days.
The Taste also will take place later in the summer. It will run from July 11-15, according to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It previously occurred in June. Public Relations and Media Specialist Mary May said the decision to change the length and date is focused primarily on event organization.
"In looking at the festival calendar, we wanted to balance the free offerings provided by the city over the warm weather months," May said. "The five-day model allows more restaurants to apply, controls the operating budget for the Taste, and allows a more flexible financial model so the Taste is an enjoyable opportunity for all the residents of Chicago without burdening the taxpayers."
"We believe this can improve the experience for all Taste-goers," she added.
Another modification to the Taste this year is its organizers. Last year, the festival was in the hands of the Chicago Park District, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel decided to place the responsibility back in the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
"In 2011, Mayor Daley gave the Taste to the [Chicago] Park District in an effort to be more efficient," May said. "Mayor Emanuel has brought the event back to the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events with the hopes of making it more profitable."
However, the Park District is still heavily involved in festival organization.
"For all events held in Grant Park, we work closely with the Chicago Park District," May said. "As a sister agency, we consider them a partner on Taste."
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