The sixth annual Taste of Duneland was a warm and welcoming celebration of Chesterton’s local fare, despite a rainy start to the day. Founded in 2007 to promote the area and boost local economy, the Taste of Duneland has provided local restaurants an opportunity to showcase their menu items and offers community members a chance to enjoy a festival close to home.
While sampling the tasty food, community members enjoyed the live band performances. As the sun came out and music started playing, festival goers could take a seat under shaded tents or set up lawn chairs in the beautiful downtown Chesterton park. Kids immensely enjoyed the inflatable slides, which doubled as water slides during the rain.
Vendors commented that the festival had a “small hometown feel.”
Nada, owner of Lucrezia and member of the Duneland Business Initiative Group, says that she “enjoys giving back to the community,” and believes that the Taste of Duneland has grown each and every year.
Laura Layman, founder of the Taste of Duneland agrees, saying the event has been “successful from year one.” She also points out that despite the rain, every booth had a steady line of customers through the lunch hour and anticipated the same for the evening hours.
Layman created the Tate of Duneland so community members could have a festival “in their backyard” when gas prices rise close to $4 a gallon.
Taste of Duneland was sponsored by Lucrezia Café, Franciscan St. Anthony Health & Emergency Center-Chesterton, Indiana 105, Chase Bank, Coldwell Banker, Berglund Construction, Ellis Electric, Lakeshore Anesthesia, Walgreens and Indiana Dunes Tourism. The food that was featured came from exclusively local restaurants: Lucrezia Cafe, Rolling Stone Bakers, Wagner's Ribs, Hot Diggity Dawgs, El Salto Mexican Restaurant, Leroy's Hot Stuff, George's Gyros Spot.
In addition, the Chesterton Lions Club served their popular Swedish potato sausage and fresh sweet corn and L.U.L.A.C. served homemade tamales, tostadas & tacos. Noak’s Popcorn provided freshly made caramel, cheese, and regular popcorn. Last but not least, there was homemade fudge to be had from the Flower Cart, hand-prepared sweets by Kim’s Chocolates, and delightful creations from the Chesterton Cake Shoppe.