By Christopher Johnson
When it comes to eating out nowadays: cheap or free–that’s what we like.
The Taste of Clare returns on May 2 and that means more free food for some springtime gladness. It’s an annual tradition that gets people out and about and well fed.
The event has its roots from an earlier era of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, when local leaders were looking for a fun, community-centered event that would bring people together and showcase what local businesses had to offer. Damon Dubois, then involved with the Chamber and now the proprietor of the Michigan Rock Shop here in Clare, helped shape the event into the format the community has come to enjoy.
The concept was simple and welcoming by design: participating businesses would contribute a food or drink sample to give away, and admission tickets were kept intentionally affordable so that families of all backgrounds could take part. Businesses from in and around the Clare area were invited to participate, making it a true community-wide celebration. Much like a wine walk or the likes of Brewin on McEwan.
This year, around 10 to 15 businesses are expected to take part. This includes regular Chamber members such as the Doherty Hotel, Cops & Doughnuts, Whitehouse, and several others. However, any business can participate. The Chamber encourages businesses to offer samples that motivates return business, so it’s a great opportunity for an image boost. (One example could be a free drink with a customer’s next meal.)
It’s another opportunity for local businesses to give back in a way that’s unique and flexes both creativity and hospitality.
The Taste of Clare event goes from 1 PM to 5 PM. Tickets go on sale April 27th at the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce. A map will be available soon via the Chamber’s resources. So be sure to follow along for updates on social media and local newsprint.
Also, don’t miss Chalk the Walk, hosted by Cardinal & Clover in celebration of their
anniversary, where you can claim a sidewalk square and create something beautiful right in the heart of town.
Contact Cardinal & Clover to register for your square.
