JOLIET, IL — One of the biggest outdoor summer festivals in the Chicago area takes place in two weeks, and it's in Joliet. That's right, Taste of Joliet is back after not taking place in 2020 and 2021 because of the deadly coronavirus.
Joliet Park District Director Brad Staab told Joliet Patch on Thursday that he's excited to bring back the Taste of Joliet for the first time in three years.
"If the weather holds up, we're hoping for another exciting event," he said.
The Joliet Park District has lined up three well-known music acts for Friday night, June 24: Sugar Ray, Collective Soul and Ann Wilson of Heart. Saturday's enormously popular country night features Jimmie Allen and Brett Young as its main two national headliners.
If you're going to Taste of Joliet, you'll also want to know about the food line up.
Staab said the park district brought back a number of familiar food vendors from years past, but also added some new ones.
"We have a really diverse food lineup," he remarked.
If you purchase your Taste of Joliet tickets in advance, it's $18, and you can avoid standing in long lines at the entrance gates, Staab said. Otherwise, admission tickets are $20 at the gate. You can buy your tickets in advance and save $2 at the Taste of Joliet website.
According to the Taste of Joliet website, here's your food vendor lineup:
1. Annabell's Bar BQ: Pulled Pork Slider, Pork Chop on a Stick, Pork Chop Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Pulled Pork Nachos, Cajun Sausage.
2. Barone's: ½ Italian Beef, Beef & Sausage Combos, Funnel Cakes, Cheeseburger, Hot Dogs, Cheese Fries, Corn Dogs, Cheese Curds, Chicken Fingers.
3. Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood: Fish & Chips, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Boneless Rib Sandwich, Pizza Puff, Bacon Cheese Fries, Calamari Rings, Coconut Butterfly Shrimp.
4. Cemeno's Pizza: Cheesy Potatoes, Pizza, Italian Sausage Sandwich.
5. Coldstone Creamery: Single Scoop Ice Cream, Ice Cream Sandwich, Taffy Apple.
6. Dumpling House: Blintz, Pierogi, Potato Pancakes, Polish Sausage, Polish Plate Combo, Shishkabob.
7. El Taquero: Mexican Style Street Corn, Taco Al Pastor w/Pineapple, Taco Steak (Carne Asada), Taco Chicken, Cheese Quesadillas, Meat Quesadillas.
8. Genoa's Italian Concession: Nachos, Italian Sausage, Italian Beef, Brats, Eggplant Sandwich, Chicken sandwich, Homemade chips, Hamburgers.
9. Greek Delights: Chicken Bites, Gyros (Orig or Chicken), Shishkabobs, Mac & Cheese, Sausages, Philly Cheesesteak, Cheeseburger, Cheese Fries.
10. GRZ Grub: Pretzel Bites, Charcuterie Boxes, Hot Dogs, Beef Sandwiches, Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese.
11. Joliet Firefighters Charities Association: Roasted Corn on the Cob.
12. Lee Concessions: Egg Roll, Orange Chicken with Rice, Grilled Chicken on a Stick with Rice, Shaved Ice, Fried Pickles.
13. Marino's Kitchen: Meatball Sandwich, Pork Chop on a Stick, Sicilian Italian Sausage, Italian Beef, Pulled Pork.
14: Pizza for U: ½ Italian Sausage Sandwich, Full Italian Sausage, Beef Pocket Calzone, Pizza, Italian Beef Sandwich, ¼ pound Hot Dog.
15: Pancho's Mexican Food: Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Steak Fries, Nachos with Meat.
16: Pina Tropical: 5oz Classic Pina Colada, Fruit Coladas (Passion Fruit, Mango, Strawberry), Smoothies (Lemonade & Pineapple).
17: RS Concessions: Italian Ice, Pretzels, Nachos, Lemonade, Water
18: Strawberry Patch: Chocolate Covered Cheesecake, ½ pound Hamburger & Fries, Smoked Sausage, Chicken Tenders, Cheese Fries.
19: Suzie's Fun Foods: 3 pc Mozzarella Sticks, Funnel Cake, Corndog, Chicken Strips, Cheddar & Mozzarella Curds, Toasted Pickles, Toasted Ravioli, Italian Sausage, Deep Fried Candy.
20: Sunshine Mexican Café: Tacos, Pambazo, Flautas, Nachos, Elote Cups, Fresh Fruit with Tajin.
21: TCBY: Frozen Yogurt, Gatorade, Water
22: Tony's Greek Food: Mini Greek Bowl, Gyros (Chicken & Lamb), Greek Bowls (Rice/Salad, Chicken or Lamb), Lemonade
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