From a security standpoint, this year’s Taste of Chicago was a rousing success. From a sales and attendance standpoint, it was a flop.
While officials did not release hard numbers Tuesday, city officials and Taste vendors acknowledged that the number of visitors to the city’s biggest annual festival was down, as were ticket sales for some vendors. The Park District, which ran the fest this year, said it lost money.
And Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the city is going to take a look at the 31-year-old chowfest, even though he vowed to keep it going in the future.
Shortshanks was always willing to throw good money after bad. Hell, he was willing to sell city assets at a loss just to balance a current budget. Rahm doesn't really have that luxury, especially with aspirations to higher office. Rahm has to succeed. And to succeed, he's going to end up tossing a bunch of previously sacred cows under the proverbial bus.
We could definitely see the Taste being downsized and shortened up on the calendar next year. Maybe even fenced off and admission charged. And it would be an easier sell for Rahm to do this now that the final numbers are in.
We could definitely see the Taste being downsized and shortened up on the calendar next year. Maybe even fenced off and admission charged. And it would be an easier sell for Rahm to do this now that the final numbers are in.