Taste of Nappanee returns for the fifth year

May 18—NAPPANEE — The Taste of Nappanee returned for its fifth year Saturday.

Taking place on the grounds of The Barns at Nappanee, the event got started at around 10 a.m., featuring food, crafts, artwork, vendors, live music, a magician and a number of local businesses.

"It's a beautiful day, and we've got tons of vendors," said Cami Mechling, executive director of Visit Nappanee, which coordinated the event.

Mechling said the event started out as a food-only one, and that later on businesses and others were added "to give our guests a taste of what Nappanee has to offer."

Mechling said the annual event originally took place in the parking lot of Ace Hardware.

"We quickly outgrew that and partnered with The Barns," she said, touching on how the event has become annual in nature. "If they didn't come out today, they can catch us next year."

Miguel Cabrera worked at the tent set up for Bordrano Esparanza, which sells Mexican-crafted hats, sandals and other items, where the profits are returned to Mexico.

"These help the indigenous in Mexico," Cabrera said.

Kristy Robb, owner of Nappanee-based Godfidence 136, worked a table with her niece, Abbie Miller, displaying the key chains, jewelry, cologne, beard oil and perfume that Robb makes and sells.

"She helps with the company," Robb said of her niece's help.

Veronica Miller, owner of The Dutch Kernel, sold her company's popcorn as one of the numerous food vendors at the event.

"It's going great," Miller said. "Last year we had rain but it's been fantastic so far."

The Nappanee Police Department had a demonstration booth set up, designed to give kids a demonstration NPD gear and equipment, as well as give out refrigerator magnets, key chains and gun locks.

"It's nice to get to come out and show people what we have, and interact with the community," said NPD Lt. Kris Hershberger, who worked the booth.

To learn more, visit visitnappanee.com/nappanee-events/2024/5/18/taste-of-nappanee.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at [email protected].