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Photo by Diane Anderson
Foodies and music lovers will descend on Maplewood this upcoming Saturday for the 8th Annual Taste of Maplewood Street Festival. Be prepared to be sample your way through sweet and savory offerings from Strange Donuts, Pie Oh My, Maya Cafe, The Muddled Pig Gastropub, and more.
The festival will take place along Sutton Boulevard, just south of Manchester, and will feature live performances by the Blue Devils Rhythm & Blues Band, Jeremiah Johnson Band, and Power Play.
A second stage will include family-friendly entertainment by The Drama Club STL, St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase, and more. Several vendors will also offer activities and food geared towards children. In Sutton Loop Park, kids will be able to play oversized Jenga, giant tic-tac-toe, and some dress up games—all free, courtesy of The Heights of Richmond Heights.
In the afternoon, the Maplewood Fire Department will make an appearance. "Children will have the opportunity to explore the fire truck and interact with firefighters,” says Jeannine Beck of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce.
Restaurants at the festival aren’t just trying to impress their customers—they’re also battling for bragging rights at the Best of The Taste of Maplewood contest. Vendors will have the chance to compete for several honors including Best Savory Dish, Best Sweet Tooth, Best Cocktail/Mocktail, and Best Overall Taste of Maplewood. Celebrity judges Lauren “Lern” Colvin of KSHE 95, Jean Carnahan of GoodFoodSTL.com, and Charlie Gutherie of WeEatStuff.com will help determine the winners.
Gutherie told us why he's looking forward to the event:
The Maplewood dining and drinking scene has become so varied and vibrant over the years and I think the variety of dishes and drinks in this contest are a testament to that. No matter who wins the contest I think this will be a winning evening for everyone who comes out to Maplewood this weekend, both young and old.
When: Noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 21
Where: Sutton Boulevard in Maplewood
Parking: Public parking is available on Marietta Avenue. To access the lot, head down Marshall Avenue off Manchester. Turn right on Marietta Avenue, and the parking lot will be on your right.
