Patrons gather last year enjoy a variety of food and beverage offerings at A Taste of the Races, the prelude to the PNC Roar on the River. This year a record number of local establishments will participate.
TRENTON — Along with celebrating the 60th anniversary of the PNC Roar on the River this year, organizers also are looking forward to showcasing a record number of vendors for the annual kickoff bash known as A Taste of the Races.
Forty-two area restaurants and caterers already have confirmed their participation, with a few more expected to sign on between now and the event, scheduled for July 23, at Elizabeth Park in Trenton.
“The response and the support this year has just been amazing,” said Ronnie Jacek, who is coordinating the event on behalf of Trenton Rotary, which organizes the PNC Roar on the River. “Our restaurant owners in this area are incredible. They are really committed to being part of this and showcasing the best of what our region has to offer.”
The three-hour food extravaganza will be capped off by a performance by Fifty Amp Fuse, which is returning for the third consecutive year to rev up the crowd for the two days of power boat racing, Jet Ski stunt shows and other activities to follow at Elizabeth Park July 24 and 25.
A Taste of the Races runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fifty Amp Fuse is expected to take the stage about 8 p.m. Taste is a ticketed event, but the concert is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Taste are $35 a person in advance, or $30 in blocks of 10 or more. Tickets will cost $40 at the door, if available, so advance purchase is recommended.
The food event has been part of the Roar since 2001, when the very first one featured 14 vendors. In recent years it has flirted with the 40 mark, but this is the first time it will actually surpass it.
“A Taste of the Races has become an integral part of the Roar on the River tradition,” said Lynn Nolan, president of Trenton Rotary. “One of the things that make it so special is that it’s such a great deal.”
Advance tickets are available at Trenton City Hall and area PNC branch offices, as well as the offices of Jocks and Associates and Rehab Connection, both on West Road in Trenton. Tickets also can be reserved by calling (734) 675-8600.