Taste of Marco serves up a good time for all

Thirteen Marco Island restaurants offered up some of their best menu items for sampling during the 27th annual Taste of Marco on Sunday.

The early morning rain made event organizers and participants anxious that Taste of Marco might not take place as planned, but perfect weather held out for the entire event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 5.pm. at The Esplanade.

Kids of all ages enjoyed a day of tasty food, sun and a whole lot of fun, and the annual event attracted locals and tourists alike.

“It’s the ideal way for us to try the best Marco has to offer," Kyle Kromer of Wisconsin said. "We are visiting for the first time and are getting to sample quite a variety at fantastic prices."

Although there were a few new faces at this year's event, including Wild Jimmy’s and Pinchers Crab Shack, there were also some familiar friends, such as CJ's on the Bay.

“This is a great opportunity to spend time with other restaurants, because we’ve all been so busy during the season,” Laura Owen,  CJ’s on the Bay general manager, said in a previous interview. “We all support each other, and the restaurant community is amazing. There’s no cutthroat (aspect).”

Marc Kircher, a CJ's employee, provided the first hour of live music, followed by the ever-popular Greg Miller Band which kept the crowd smiling and dancing all day.

Admission to the event was $5 with proceeds benefiting the Greater Marco Family YMCA, which will use to money to fund array of outreach programs.

For more information on the Y and its youth and adult programs and activities, call 394-3144 or visit greatermarcoymca.com.