Taste of Berks

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Taste of Berks provides full bellies, fun

By Katie Johnsen, Event Coordinator, GRCA

All photos courtesy of Wayne Becker, Zerbe Photography

The Taste of Berks was back with a bang this year at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in the heart of downtown Reading! More than 500 registered attendees were drawn up to the beautifully restored ballroom by the sounds of The Architects – a local band with big sound who coaxed everyone to dance.

Although the tunes tempted toe-tapping, the real star of the show were the vendors – nearly 30 food and beverage vendors lined the floor, offering sweet, savory and thirst-quenching treats. Just a few of the highlights included fresh shrimp from Adelphia Seafood, creamy cheesesteak over mashed potatoes from Devour Catering, jerky from Gauker Farms, short ribs and polenta from B2 Bistro & Bar, sausage from Konopelski Katering, coconut-chip ice cream from the Great American Creamery, pecan cupcakes from Straight from Heaven Charcuterie, and so much more that it boggles the mind. Between bites, guests stayed hydrated at strategically placed beverage vendors around the room, featuring Sly Fox, Chatty Monks, Folino Estate Winery and Roselawn Bistro.

New this year was the Maker’s Market. Across the Abraham Lincoln’s mezzanine glittered beautiful, handmade treasures for sale just in time for the holidays. GoggleWorks featured blown glass, candles, and ceramics while next door Shearer’s Farm showed its goats’ milk soaps. At the end, Riverview Garden & Gifts glittered with books, bags, beauty products and more.

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The makers weren’t the only ones selling – many of the food and beverage vendors also had items available for sale either to sip as people walked around, or to bring home with them. Not only was this a great way to kick off the holiday season, but a boon to the local businesses represented in the room. Attendees also went home with a Holiday Gift Guide featuring the vendors so they can continue to support them in the coming holiday season.

If that weren’t enough, there was more to take home than good memories, gifts and full bellies. The Photo Booth Lady was there to capture those memories with silly props and hats, and Caricatures by Courtney made quick work of smiling faces all night long. Continued on page 10

WFMZ reporter Jack Reinhard went live from the event floor during the 5:30 p.m. broadcast and interviewed Rachael Romig, Senior Director of Events & Special Programs, who said, “The pandemic really hit hard. I know we’re hopefully coming out of it, and this gave us an opportunity to really bring them back and say, ‘We’re still open, we’re still here and we still have great things to offer the community.’”

You can still shop the fantastic Taste of Berks vendors for all your holiday gifts and everyday needs. Check out our Go Buy Berks Gift Card Program giverrang.com/gift-card/greaterreading-pa/. It’s a gift card you can purchase that lets you shop locally, and all the vendors who came to Taste of Berks are part of it. With your help, we will continue to support local businesses, in this season and beyond.

Scan QR code for our Holiday Gift Guide!

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