Taste of Chicago

In 2005, the Taste attracted about 3.9 million people with over 70 food vendors. Foods at the event include Chicago-style pizza, Chicago hot dogs, barbecued ribs, Italian Beef, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, Eli's Cheesecake, and a variety of ethnic and regional foods. A total of 3.6 million people visited the 2006 Taste of Chicago. Attendance for the previous record 10-day event, in 2004, was 3.59 million, with $12.33 million in revenue.[5] These lackluster statistics prompted several changes. The mayor transferred power over the event from the Chicago Park District to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the event was shortened to 5 days, and the dates were changed so that in 2012, the Taste of Chicago will run from July 11 to July 15.[6] In 2012, the Taste of Chicago ran for five days and had 36 participating restaurants.[7] New this year, the Taste of Chicago is adding 15 Pop-Up Restaurants that will each serve food for one of the five days.[8] In 2013, the Taste of Chicago turned a profit for the first time in six years with sales totaling $272,000.[9] On Saturday, July 12, 2014, the Taste of Chicago closed because of severe weather?the first time the festival was canceled for the entire day because of "excessive rainfall and flooding on the festival grounds".