Juliana Lepore and Tina Detelj
18 mins ago
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Hartford Taste Festival returned to downtown Hartford this week, but this year it has gotten a new location.
Hartford Taste Food Festival to return in new location
The festival takes over Trumbull and Pratt Streets for what has grown into a street festival of food and music. The event features more than 30 musical acts along with live art demonstrations and restaurants who get to showcase their food to the community.
“[We have] vendors from all over our city that represent the diversity of the food and culture we have all over the city, but [we are] also just excited to see this block transformed,” Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam (D) said.
Proceeds from the food ticket sales go to the Connecticut Foodshare. The festival has raised more than $50,000 over the past two years for the program, which translates to more than a 100,000 meals for people across the state, according to Foodshare president and CEO Jason Jakubowski.
The Rockin’ Chicken and the Jerk Shack are among more than 30 restaurants setting up shop on Trumbull and Pratt streets. For much of the day, the line in front of Jerk Shack was one of the longest on Trumbull Street.
“Well I hope it stays that way,” said Shawn McDonald, who is a cook with Jerk Shack.
This is a new location for the festival, but certain sponsors, like The Hartford insurance company, have returned. The Hartford covers all vendor fees for the festival so that restaurants can participate for free.
There is $5 parking available for the two day festival, which is taking place on June 7 and 8. Jakubowski called the event an opportunity to try some great food and help others who are experiencing food insecurity.