It's referred to as the unofficial start to summer in Cincinnati, but Taste of Cincinnati is being postponed until Independence Day.
The annual food festival, which usually takes place Memorial Day weekend, is rescheduled for July 3-5, 2020.
"The postponement is due to measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. Taste of Cincinnati is free and open to the public," the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber writes in a statement.
In an effort to keep the Taste spirit going and boost sales for local restaurants, organizers are encouraging people to participate in "Virtual Taste of Cincinnati" this weekend, April 3-5. They're asking "festivalgoers" to order meals from local restaurants and food trucks which will offer special menu options for the event.
Here's how the chamber explains how it works:
- The time to help our local restaurants is NOW! Virtual festivalgoers are asked to order carryout, drive-thru and delivery from favorite restaurants, food trucks and Findlay Market vendors, use technology to gather virtually, and share dishes on social media with the hashtag #VirtualTasteCincy. Taste of Cincinnati partners, menus and special offers will be regularly updated at virtual.tasteofcincinnati.com
- Virtual Taste of Cincinnati cooking demos and recipes will be hosted by chefs and cooking experts from Kroger, Findlay Market and Taste of Cincinnati restaurants and food trucks. The demos will be available at virtual.tasteofcincinnati.com and facebook.com/TasteofCincinnati/
- Brewery Tap-ins will take place online. Your favorite beer-makers will share food and beer pairings, beer and brewery history, and new brew recipes
- Musicians from the Cincinnati region will perform LIVE from their homes on facebook.com/TasteofCincinnati/. Show your support for the artists through Venmo and PayPal accounts posted during the performances
The virtual event includes a 5K run on April 1 where runners are encouraged to pick "a route that fits his or her (and the Governor's) needs." Participants should post pictures of themselves on social media with #VirtualEatandRunCincy. There will be "swag items" for walkers and runners and participants.
Cincy Shirts is also making commemorative t-shirts reading "Carry Out, Carry On Cincinnati" and featuring the Genius of Water hoisting carry out items high above the Cincinnati skyline.
