The committee that puts together Mainstreet Piqua’s annual Taste of the Arts event is excited to announce that the street party is returning to downtown on Friday, May 13, from 5-9 P.M.
According to Mainstreet Executive Director Lorna Swisher, “We’ve been meeting since January and are looking forward to bringing back this fantastic annual event. Food, music, art, family – it really is a wonderful way to kick off the Summer events season. It is time to celebrate our sense of fun and community.”
Taste of the Arts is a festival of art, food, and music in downtown Piqua. Usually an annual event, the schedule was disrupted in 2020, and a similar Fall event was substituted for the traditionally Spring celebration last year. For 2022, the event returns to its place as the launching point for the Summer season.
“You’re still going to find those delicious ‘small bites’ menus from more than a dozen area restaurants and caterers. None of the selections will be over $5, so bring the family and try a little of everything. Event entry, music, and children’s activities are all FREE. Guests will only need to plan to pay for their food and drink while attending.” says Swisher. “Also, new this year, adults will get to enjoy adult beverages, with the addition of beers from Moeller and Crooked Handle on tap.”
The headline musical entertainment at this year’s Taste of the Arts is the band “Swagg.” This Columbus-based group is high-energy and performs a great variety of dance and rock music, from the 1960’s through today. They perform all over the state of Ohio and have a huge fan following.
In addition to the live band, there will be a Kid’s Zone area – complete with a magician, several activity stations, and street games to play.
Artists are still being confirmed, but a variety of media will be represented, including; jewelry making, muralists, pottery, watercolorists, and more. The artists will be demonstrating their processes inside several storefronts downtown. There will be works for sale.
The Piqua Kiwanis Club is hosting a Bike Rodeo in the 500 block of Main street during the event. Kids will learn about bike safety, and they may go home with a free bike helmet. Members of the Piqua Kiwanis will also keep visitor’s bicycles secure in their bike corral. Ride down to the festival and you won’t have to worry about parking or securing your bike.
2022 Taste Sponsors thus far include: Park National Bank, Barclay’s Men’s-Women’s Clothiers, McCulloch-Baker Insurance, Winans Chocolates + Coffee, Apex Aluminum Die Casting, 5/3 Bank, Hartzell Propeller and Koverman Staley Dickerson Insurance/Buckeye Insurance.
The job of putting together an event like this one is huge and committee members include Gary Anderson, Krysten French, Robin Heintz, Gretchen Roeth, Anita Dunn, Melinda Sillman, Cecelia Stoler, and Bev Collett. Executive director Lorna Swisher serves as Chair. New volunteers are always welcome and anyone interested in helping with Taste of the Arts is asked to contact Mainstreet Piqua at 937-773-9355.
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 13, from 5 to 9 P.M. and join us in the 300 and 400 blocks of N. Main Street.
