SYRACUSE -- The Taste of Syracuse is underway in Clinton Square.
Hundreds of restaurants and vendors come out for this special event each year, and thousands of people are expected to stop by to enjoy the $1.00 samples and variety of foods, sweets and treats.
Many in attendance Friday night say they come for the variety of foods. People can enjoy dishes from all over the world right in downtown Syracuse.
"I love it, I've had five samples already, and I've been around the world trying cuisines from Greece, Italy and Thailand," says East Syracuse resident Ellen Robb.
One main difference at the Taste of Syracuse this year is the lack of local wineries. The city decided against inviting local wineries individually, instead letting one major wine distributor do all the pouring. The city says the change was made to streamline the process of collecting a 12.5% beverage surcharge levied on all Clinton Square festivals.
That means more international wines and less local kinds. While those sampling the wine say they enjoy this year's assortment, they'd like to see more local representation.
"We actually have some wineries that are local that we prefer so we would really like to come and see them be here," says East Syracuse resident Miriam White. "We enjoy the California wines or national wines, but I think it's really important to have the local economy and local wineries be supported here."
Crews have also set up stages for a number of concerts to be performed throughout the festival The headliner act is Gregg Allman, who will be performing at 9:00 Saturday night on the main stage.
The Taste of Syracuse will go until 11:00 p.m. Friday, and will continue Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Click here for more information on the Taste of Syracuse.
