Taste of Olean/Art in the Park
Taste of Olean/Art in the Park
Groove to the tunes and savor the flavors this Sunday in Olean, NY
OLEAN - If the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach, then Olean is a destination visitors are sure to love on July 25th! Time to loosen that belt a few notches, gather family and friends and head down to the 71st Annual Art in the Park and the 30th Annual Taste of Olean this Sunday, July 25th from 11:00am-5:00pm at War Veterans Park, 551 East State Street, Olean. The Taste Of Olean, co-sponsored by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, National Grid Co., and GOACC’s 45 corporate sponsors, provides an affordable and enjoyable festival in a socially responsible manner for families of the greater Olean area, enhances the quality of life in Olean, and promotes downtown. The Taste of Olean is a festival filled with great food and entertainment. Admission to the event is free. Pay as you eat!
THE TASTES: The restaurants will present "tastes" of foods, not whole meals or sandwiches - smaller portions with affordable costs between 50 cents and $5.00. Restaurants are encouraged to promote their famous dishes, to introduce a new menu item or a specialty drink. Restaurants that will be appearing at the Taste include: Rafi’s Food Hub, Chef Jimmy’s Catering, The Hungry Burro, Big Bossman’s BBQ, Firefly Bagels, AnnMarie’s Baklava, Crystal’s Confections, CJ’s BBQ Catering, Sanzo Beverage, and Wright Beverages.
THE ARTS: Art in the Park, sponsored by the Tri-County Arts Council held in conjunction with the Taste, is a juried fine arts show with a long standing tradition of showcasing the finest art in southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The artists include: Michael Weishan (photography and woodwork); Eileen Weishan (handmade bags and scarves); Joyce Kline (handmade wooden kitchen tools); Peter Hamilton (wooden sculpture and furniture); Eric Holbein, New Albion Clayworks (pottery); Kaylee Taylor, Woodland Signatures (jewelry); Nicole Missel (bags and yoga mats made from recycled materials); Rachel Whitake (pottery); and Tori Gulnac (black and white drawings). Three awards will be presented: Best of Show; Best New Entry; and Best Presentation.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS: The music never stops with Theater Workshop of Olean lining up continuous entertainment. It will include:
• Brass Knuckles 12:30-1:00pm
• Olean Community Theatre 1:00-1:30pm
• OHS Fredonia Liberty Partnership Program 1:30-2:00pm
• Dance Arts Marcia Gallineaux 2:00-2:30pm
• Neighborhood School of Dance 3:00-3:30pm
• Allegany Limestone Summer Musical 4:00-4:30pm
FAMILY FUN: Eric Jones will be onsite with his famous Caricature drawings. There will also be balloon animal creations done by the Balloon Lady.
WHAT’s NEW: AKT Combatives Academy will host two demos at 1:00 and 3:00pm. Paint Party with Lindsey/Crticial Burn from 11:00am-3:00pm. Demos and exhibit games of the Olean YMCA’s Pickle Ball will be scheduled. The Cattaraugus County Health Department will host a COVID vaccine clinic at the Taste of Olean from 11:00am-3:00pm. Check out the ‘Taste’y Tee Shirts and pick yours up!
TASTY RAFFLES: Five dollars gives you 20 chances to win gift certificates to area restaurants, the newest Santa Claus Lane ornament, Squirrel items and more!
BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR: FREE roller skating at the William O. Smith Recreation Center from noon-5:00pm courtesy the Chamber’s Corporate Sponsors. The Quick Arts Center ArtMobile will be there from 11:00am-3:00pm and will run art activities and some make-n-takes. Everything will be free to the public with all materials provided.
WALL OF FAME PRESENTATION: The winners of the Taste of Olean Hospitality Awards will be recognized during the Taste of Olean at 2:00pm under the big tent down at War Veterans Park. This year, GOACC introduces its fourteenth class of the Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards program: the late Mrs. Doris Mae Williams, Louis Frungillo, Jr. and Paul Green. Past inductees to the Hospitality Wall of Fame include: Guerino “Butch” Butchello and Chef Anthony Lentola from the Castle Restaurant, Chef Pasquale “Patsy” Piccioli, John Sawaya, Sr., Carl Iseman, Louis and Nancy Giannechini, Lucia “Lou” Bardenett, William “Bill” Augostini, Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli, Nicholas “Nick” Fratarcangelo, Louis Marra, Daniel Fessenden, Robert Styles, Tony Bassano, Jim McAfee, Neil and Denis Goodemote, Paul and Mary Psathas, Anthony Zampogna, James Pappas, Lou Russo, Nick Livoto, Steve Hollowell, Jackie Attard, John Malara, Richard Marcus, Louis V., ‘Little Louie,’ Marra, Eugene Stopha, Jack Coffey, Louis Frungillo Sr., Richard ‘Richie’ Piccioli, Joe Marra, MarLayn Robinson, John ‘Mac’ Sue, Tom Weatherell, John and Karol Long, Anthony Fratercangelo, James ‘Jim’ Hastas, Mike & PJ McAfee, Anthony Procacci, Paul & Lisa Marra, Ola May Gayton, Alfredo P. LaFredo Sr., Sparky Granger, Randy Korkowicz, D.J. Butchello, John Cappelleti, and Larry Chiarenza.
For more information on the Taste of Olean, call the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email taste@oleanny.com.