Food, fun, activity abounds as events continue today

June 24, 2007
By Corinne DeVries
Muskegon Chronicle

Things were hopping in the Muskegon area on Saturday. With the first-ever Taste of Muskegon combined with the Main Street Car Show, Muskegon Height's Festival in the Park and the Seaway Run, thousands of people went out and found something to do this weekend.

At the Taste of Muskegon, organizers were happily surprised when the attendance exceeded their expectations. They thought 7,000 would attend over the two-day event, but 6,000 attended just on Saturday.

"We're expecting a big day tomorrow too," said Allen Serio, chairman of the Taste of Muskegon committee.

Buffalo Wild Wings, 5584 Harvey, ran out of food twice on Saturday and had to go back to the store to get more chicken wings. Originally, managers estimated that 3,500 wings would be sold over the weekend -- but it looked like 3,500 would be sold in one day.

"We knew we were going to go through a lot, but this is a lot more than we had anticipated," said general manager Jamison Rike. "We just got bombarded."

Residents seemed pleased with the event as well. Donna Klecka of North Muskegon said the event was fantastic.

"This is one of the most positive things I've seen in Muskegon in awhile," Klecka said. "I just hope they continue this."

Amy Huss of Norton Shores agreed.

"The portions are very generous -- in fact we had to share some," Huss said.

Others weren't so sure. Audrey Hall of Muskegon said she thought some of the food was overpriced for the portion sizes.

"This is a promotion and it should be dirt cheap," Hall said.

And Sheila Orchard had hoped there would be more kid-friendly food for her son.

"There's not enough food for children," Orchard said.

Across town in Muskegon Heights, about 2,800 people came out for the annual parade on Broadway Avenue, said Mimi Rankin, director of the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park. In its 25th anniversary year, the parade and festival turned out to be "a wonderful event," Rankin said.

"The turnout was great and it didn't rain and we had a lot of people out," said Rillastine Wilkins, mayor of Muskegon Heights. "It was wonderful to see the response from the community to come out and support us."

The Muskegon Fury's mascot, Furious Fred, came out for the parade armed with a squirt gun to shower any kids in sight of him. But what he didn't know was that sister and brother Tamir and Vincent Robertson were prepared with their own squirt guns.

"I like squirting the Fury," said Vincent, 8, squealing and laughing as he ran away from the mascot, then retaliated by squirting Fred back.

Terri Kitchen-Booker and her husband, Brian Booker, of Muskegon came out to see their daughter cheer in the parade. Kitchen-Booker said she mostly was looking forward to seeing the Muskegon Heights band at the end of the parade.

"This is the one day out of the year you see a lot of people you usually don't see," Kitchen-Booker, 39, said. "It brings the community together."

And the Seaway Run in downtown Muskegon had about 1,200 participants. It was slightly down from last year's 1,300 participants, which race director Chris Zahrt attributed to last year being the 25th anniversary of the annual race.

"We had a good day, the weather was perfect, and it wasn't too hot," Zahrt said. "We were thrilled with the turnout for not only the participants but also the spectators that came out to watch."

muskegonchronicle.com

Menu
Tipsy Toad Tavern: Kabobs, ribs, Chicken Caesar Wraps, wings.
Racquets: Gourmet sandwiches, hand-cut French fries.
Hobo’s Tavern: Hamburgers, bratwurst and hot dogs.
Donnie’s BBQ: Pork BBQ sandwich, smoked Chicken, coleslaw, potato salad.
The Hearthstone: Ham-and-cheese crepes, cheddar ale soup.
BernieO’s Pizza: Pizza, “The Twist,” Wings Pizza, “El Loco.”
Tony’s Bistro: Mediterranean Pasta, leg of lamb with orzo, Greek salad, hummus.
Coastline Deli: Redskin potato salad, sandwiches, Cowboy Cookies.
Famous India: Chicken Samsda, Chicken Curry, Tandori Chicken.
Carino’s Italian Grill: Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Italian chocolate cake, canoli.
Grand Traverse Pie Company: Fresh-cut pie, cookies and other treats.
Ruth Ann’s Ice Cream: Ice cream and sorbets, frozen bananas.
The Sardine Room: Spinach-and-artichoke dip, Pork Osso Bucco, coleslaw.
Old Boys Brew House: Hand-crafted sodas, cookies, Rice Crispy Treats, Bloody Mary mix and margarita mix.
750 Grill: Variety of grinders and penne pasta.
Pints & Quarts: Mini cheeseburgers, Michigan field salad.
Docker’s Fish House & Lounge: Fish tacos.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Hot wings with a variety of sauces.
City Cafe: TBA.
C.F. Prime: Beef skewers.

© 2007 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission