Story posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Manager Expects Crowd At 'Taste Of Niles' Sunday
Village Manager George Van Geem expects this year's International Taste of Niles to be as successful as in the past.
"Where can you go for four hours and get food and entertainment for $15?" he said.
Van Geem expects 600-700 people to show up for the Niles Sister Cities Association event, which takes place from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at White Eagle Banquets, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave. Those numbers would reflect last year's attendance.
The International Taste of Niles began five years ago as a way to celebrate Niles' four sister cities: Pisa, Italy; Nafplion, Greece; Leixlip, Ireland; and Limanowa, Poland.
Although the food fair's focus is on the sister cities, Van Geem said all types of ethnic cuisine would be at the festival. This includes local Korean and Filipino eateries. A total of about 10 restaurants will be represented.
A ticket pays for admission to the taste as well as food. Meals are served in a buffet style to encourage people to sample as much as possible.
"We call it the International Taste because you can take a taste of this and a taste of that," Van Geem said.
Italian musician Enzo Incandela and the Red and White Band, a Polish group, are the major acts this year, though there will be entertainment representing all of Niles' sister cities.
In addition to the food and entertainment, the event will feature a full cash bar, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The raffle raised $500 for the Niles Sister Cities Association in 2008.
Van Geem expects the popular auction item this year will be a big screen TV. There will also be jewelry and restaurant certificates.
Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Children between 3-12 are $5. Tickets can be purchased at Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Dr., or White Eagle Banquets.
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