OLEAN, N.Y. — Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce officials have announced that the 30th annual Taste of Olean will not be held July 26, 2020.
Officials from Tri-County Arts Council had officially canceled Art in the Park last week. GOACC staff contacted more than 60 restaurants in the area to gauge participation.
“Thirty percent of the restaurants said no, more than half couldn’t be reached (so we took that as a no), and we had six restaurants say yes,” reported Lisa Carpenter, GOACC Administrative Assistant.
GOACC had met with the Mayor Bill Aiello and City Department of Public Works and Electricians to determine location of electric available for vendors to spread them throughout War Veterans Park. It was also determined a safe number of gathering based on the social distancing guidelines for people to have 144 sf for themselves (six feet around).
Organizers decided not to go ahead with the annual food celebration.
“Initially many exciting things had been planned for the 30th celebration: bringing back some dishes from the first few years of Taste — from the Castle, the L’Alcove, Café Marquis, etc.; revisit the wall of fame and talk to past winners; unveiling of a commemorative logo,” stated Meme K. Yanetsko, Chief Operating Officer.
Yanetsko added, “Despite this devastating news, while we miss bringing the community together to enjoy the tastes, the arts and the sounds, GOACC’s top priority remains in the health and safety of our guests, vendors, volunteers and all involved who help make the Taste of Olean our community’s favorite FOOD event!”
The Taste was created to showcase the local food industry. Many restaurants who normally would participate at the Taste have gone through 100+ days of uncertainty, loss and fear. With Phase 3 just opening last week, many haven’t gotten back to full staff levels as well as full menus.
Carpenter added, “Think of the Taste as marinating so the foods taste even better when we all ‘eat’ up together in 2021.”
GOACC has scheduled the 30th Annual Taste of Olean for War Veterans Park Sunday, July 25, 2021. For more information on GOACC or questions, call 716-372-4433 or email info@oleanny.com.
