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By: Brendan McDonough

Reporter for North Tonawanda

The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of people this past weekend at the annual ‘Taste of the Tonawandas’ where more than twenty-two vendors gathered at Gateway Harbor Park. Organizers have been holding the event for the past fourteen years. 

This year, over sixty different food items were served up. It’s a smaller event and organizers says they like to keep it that way. They are not Buffalo and say they do not try and be.

“We are a not-for-profit so we are not here to make money,” said Linda Foels, President of Tonawanda’s Gateway Harbor, Inc.. “If we break even than it is a good day.”

Music that caught the ears of visitors were also on the menu. Served up was everything from chicken and waffles to wine slushies. For many, it’s a fun day to enjoy the food and friendship of people in the neighborhood.

“I have lived in this area since 1965 and the food in always delicious,” said Judy Morris, Tonawanda Resident. “I always have a great time every year.”

Three more vendors were added this year and organizers are hoping even more will added next year. It is one of the largest events across the area sometimes bringing in as many as two thousand people to the Tonawanda’s. For many coming here is an annual tradition.

“This is something great to do,” Fay Valardo, Grand Island Resident. “There is always great food and we come every year to try all the different kinds of food; especially the chicken wing pizza.”

For many it is a fun day to put their taste buds the test and enjoy everything that the Tonawanda’s has to offer.

“We have all kinds of sea food, beef, chicken, pork, pizza, donuts, subs, and fine deserts,” said Foels. “We pretty much have something for everyone to enjoy.”