Cutler Bay’s inaugural “Taste of the Bay” is shaping up as a special, not to be missed event for the entire family, and it takes place on May 15.
The event has been organized by the Cutler Bay Business Association to bring residents together for a fun-filled day and to make more people aware of the town’s many great restaurants.
The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.at 18001 Old Cutler Rd. in the Palmetto Bay Village Center on the edge of Cutler Bay.
A dozen area restaurants already are confirmed, including Rodbender’s, Black Point Ocean Grille, Steve’s Pizza, The Butcher Shop, Cutler Bay Sports Bar, Stir Moon, Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebees, Asian Fusion, Chopsticks House and Anacapri to Go.
But the event promises to delight more than just foodies, with live music provided by the Road Kings and the Mosquito Heads. Between sets, DJ Johnny 5 will keep the music going.
A petting zoo sponsored by Redland Riding Academy will bring a turkey, ducks, chickens, tortoise and lamb, and there will be pony rides for the kids as well. Also for youngsters is a bounce house sponsored by Jumparoo, and playground equipment sponsored by My Gym.
A classic car show will appeal to car buffs and will award prizes in these categories: Car Club with the Most Participants ; People’s Choice Award, and Best Overall Car.
Belly dancing by Shayna will add a touch of international flavor to the event, and arts and crafts displays will be there for art lovers and browsers alike. You can even get a haircut while there.
A children’s art contest will display the work of local budding artists and will award prizes for elementary school children, with two divisions, one for kindergarten through second grade and one for grades 3-5. Home schooled children also may enter by contacting the CBBA to get a copy of the picture to be colored.
“I am so excited, and proud of our team, for all the effort they have all put into making this happen,” said Cyndi Rogg, president of the Cutler Bay Business Association (CBBA).
“I can’t wait to see it come to life. Taste of the Bay is going to bring businesses, families and our community together for a great day of fun,” she added.
“We are into the final weeks of planning the first annual Taste of the Bay and everything is coming together very nicely,” said Darryl Boyette, vice-president of the CBBA. “The phone has been ringing non-stop and emails continue to pour in from business people wanting to reserve space at the festival. It’s nice to see that we are getting closer to reaching our goals for vendor participation.
“Now, we are really promoting the event to the whole county to encourage a record attendance at a first-time event like this one. It will be fun for the whole family and good for businesses, too.” There’s plenty of free parking at the center, and even a special parking lot for bicycles. Tickets can be obtained free ahead of time from the participating restaurants. At the gate tickets will be $5 each. For more information, visit online at www.thetasteofthebay.com or call 305-815- 1536.
