Taste of Minnesota returns
Taste of Minnesota returned to the Twin Cities Sunday with renewed flair after an eight-year hiatus.
Thousands of people packed the streets of downtown Minneapolis for the first time to try some favorite Minnesota dishes. The event used to take place in St. Paul.
Lines stretched along Fifth Street South as people waited to enter the food festival.
“There are a lot of people there. It’s full, there’s a lot of walking. “It’s nice to see people in the community again,” said Tracy Brown, a Taste of Minnesota attendee.
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The event hit downtown as the city does its best to make a comeback.
“I think it’s great for Minneapolis,” said Henry Fisher, a Taste of Minnesota contestant.
Fisher’s first stop on his food tour was a taco truck, and it didn’t disappoint.
“It’s wonderful. It’s so good. It’s my first time,” Fisher said.
People of all ages made a trip to the free two-day event with music, entertainment and food around every corner.
“We cook ribs, pork belly, pork shoulder and mac and cheese,” said Jake Johnson of Animales Barbecue Co.
Queues snaked through the food festival. Some vendors said they hadn’t expected such a large crowd.
“It’s crazy. We didn’t really know what to expect and like you said it’s been shoulder to shoulder here all day,” Johnson said.
“Hopefully it’s a sign that people can come downtown safely,” said Taste of Minnesota attendee Kenric McMurtry.
Minneapolis Police were visible at the event. Violence suppressors were also on site to ensure the safety of the people.
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Despite the high temperatures, it felt like a breath of fresh air for some to see people thronging the downtown streets.
“It’s great to see everyone and I think everyone feels the same,” Fisher said.
The event is open on Sundays and Mondays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m
Metro Transit is offering free tickets to the event.
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