Taste of the Cape set for Sunday
Taste of the Cape is back for an encore experience after a very successful inaugural event last year. Of course, organizers promise the second annual event will be bigger and better.
“We’ve expanded it to include 20 arts and crafts vendors this year,” said event chair Matt Connar. “We’ve also expanded the range of the craft beer selections.”
The event has grown so rapidly that the event might need a new venue next year. As it is, though, the second Taste of the Cape takes over Four Freedoms Park on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Maestro Andrew Kurtz and the Gulf Coast Symphony’s sunset performance takes the stage at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for everyone.
“There are a lot of other taste events out there, but we thought our diverse local restaurants needed a voice of their own,” said Connar. “What separates Taste of the Cape is the free concert by the 80-member symphony.”
The event features more than 20 local restaurants offering American, Italian, Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine. Just to name a few, Blaze Bistro, Buon Appetito, Fathoms, Fletchers Grille, French Press, Iguana Mia, Monkey Bar, Pho Vinh, Slates and Wicked Dolphin will be offering special sample sizes of their products for $3 or attendees can order full size entrees.
The afternoon will be filled with music performed by local school groups and bands, and studios leading up to the sunset symphony concert.
Taste of the Cape is the result of a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s education committee and the Gulf Coast Symphony.
“I sit on the board of directors for both organizations,” said Connar. “We needed a marquee fundraiser to bring awareness to the community about education and bring a cultural event to Cape Coral. It’s less of a beer and food event than it is a cultural experience for the community.”
The chamber funnels 100 percent of its proceeds from the event into academic scholarships while the orchestra channels its proceeds to its music outreach programs.
Parking is available at SunTrust Bank, Capital Bank and Ice Sssscreamin’ locations on Cape Coral Parkway and the vacant lots in the 400 block of Cape Coral Parkway. Parking also is available at Club Square, Veterans Museum and Big Johns Plaza with shuttle bus service to and from all three and the park. Coolers and outside food and beverages will not be allowed into the park. Lawn chairs or blankets are allowed, but no pets.
For more information visit www.tasteofcapecoral.com .