Another Clarence summer event is back – The Clarence Chamber of Commerce’s 17^th annual Taste of Clarence and & Cruise Night opens Monday August 2nd at noon at Clarence Town Park (10405 Main Street).  Billed as “Clarence’s largest summer event,” the Chamber has a green light from the town to host the competition, albeit with a few concessions to the pandemic.

Co-Chairperson Mark Medole advised that the Chamber is being very mindful of the pandemic and this year’s event will have some precautionary changes, including increased hours (12pm-8pm) to spread out the crowd. “We have reduced the number of restaurant participants [to ten] in the large pavilion to encourage less crowding and more open-air flow through increased means of egress” said Medole. “Hand washing and sanitation stations will be in place throughout the park, and we are encouraging all un-vaccinated folks to continue to wear their masks.”

In addition to the ten area restaurants serving inside the large pavilion there will also be four food trucks serving in the park. Together, the participating restaurants and trucks will be vying for the coveted “Silver Spoon” award for the best overall food establishment.

Classic cars will be on display like years in past-however, the Chamber is also reducing the number of cars allowed to encourage more social distancing.  All classic car owners that have a desire to bring their car and park in the designated areas will be required to pre-register in advance on- line at clarencechamber.org.

Any non-pre-registered cars will not be allowed in the designated classic car areas and will be directed to general parking.  Medole advises not to delay in registering if you’re planning on coming- the spots are limited and once they are gone, they are gone.

The taste will also be hosting live entertainment that kicks off at 1:30 and goes till 8:00- a couple newcomers this year include Jack Civiletto (Sinatra music), Dark Sarcasm (local Clarence school students rock band) and The Donnelly’s (Blues Rock band), along with a martial arts (Pride Martial Arts) demonstration and a dance performance (Releve Dance Company).  In addition, a beer garden will be in the park along with 30 various business vendor booths to showcase their products and services.  

The chamber will also be hosting their “Giant” basket raffle along with their 50/50 drawing, while the Clarence Rotary club will be pulling the winning ticket for their annual Porsche raffle later in the evening. 

The Taste of Clarence and Cruise Night is made possible with the help of sponsors Roswell Park, Summit Federal Credit Union, Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates and Financial Partners of Upstate New York and Evans Bank.