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Taste of Thornton Township sees larger crowds at larger venue

Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli (in white) chose the campus of South Suburban College as the location of this year’s Taste of Thornton Township. The additional space allowed an already big event to be even bigger this year. (Photo: Ernst Lamothe Jr.)

South Suburban College campus provides more room for people and activities

by Ernst Lamothe Jr.

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (September 3, 2018) – Moving to South Suburban College for the first time, the August 25 Taste of Thornton Township saw larger crowds who filled the expansive campus to enjoy games, rides, and live entertainment. Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli looked over the crowd and shouted: “We’re having a great time today at the Taste!”

Zuccarelli added, “The Taste is one of our largest events and brings people throughout Thornton Township in one place to enjoy great live music, food, and family entertainment.”

The almost 90-degree day did not temper excitement for the 17th annual event. This year’s Taste featured free activities for the kids—face painting, carnival rides, and games—as well as practical fun such as back-to-school haircuts and book bags with school supplies. Attendees also enjoyed a petting zoo, a large assortment of food and craft vendors, live music from several bands, and a classic car show.

Hosting the Taste of Thornton Township at a larger venue allowed event organizers to expand the number and types of activities they could offer. The petting zoo was a popular attraction.
(Photo: Ernst Lamothe Jr.)
Rides and games brought a carnival-like atmosphere to the Taste of Thornton Township. (Photo: Ernst Lamothe)

“This year’s Taste was better than last year. More people came out this year than last year,” said Tui M. Muse, Taste Chairman and Human Relations Commissioner. “The car show was excellent. It was amazing. The food was great and lots of variety. Entertainment was fantastic.”

“The entertainment was fantastic,” said Tui M. Muse, Taste Chairman and Human Relations Commissioner. The Thornton Township Mexican Dancers performed several routines at the Taste of Thornton Township. (Photo: Ernst Lamothe)

Several live bands entertained the crowd, and Trysh Granberry made a cameo appearance. Cranberry is an “America’s Got Talent” contestant, a Dolton resident, and a Thornton Township General Assistance employee.

“Michael Jackson, James Brown, and Tina Turner impersonators dazzled the crowd,” said Joyce Washington, Thornton Township Trustee. “The Seniors enjoyed themselves at the bingo tables. This event is for the community to come together and enjoy food, entertainment, family, and friends. We appreciate our great community.”

Having South Suburban College as the new venue this year gave event organizers more room to expand the offerings. People from all over Thornton Township and areas as far as Chicago and Indiana were there. Mayors and other elected officials throughout the area were in attendance.

The packed weekend also featured the second annual Taste of Thornton Township Basketball Tournament. The tournament involved teens and police playing on the same team for the pride of their town. This year, the Town of Markham defeated the Village of Dolton to take the championship trophy.

Although defending champion Lansing had to relinquish the title, Lansing Police Chief Dennis Murrin was quick to acknowledge that the program is an essential community initiative. “It was a great atmosphere, seeing the teenagers and police officers working together,” said Murrin. “This is something that we definitely want to be a part of each year.”

 

Ernst Lamothe Jr.
Ernst Lamothe Jr.
Ernst Lamothe currently serves as Communications Manager for Thornton Township and brings two decades of journalism experience to that role. "I believe it is important to educate and inform people about their world," he says.