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Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News July 17, 2005 - Crowds brave heat to get a Taste of Rome Deb Cleworth, Daily Tribune Staff ROME - A Taste of Rome event was such a success Saturday that organizers are planning a second helping. The four-hour festivities exceeded all expectations, according to organizers and visitors. With cars lining both sides of streets leading into the Alpine Village Business Center, it was estimated the event brought in about 5,000 people. "It's beautiful," said Vanessa Britts, a member of the Rome Connection Committee. "I really thought the heat would keep people away, but I'm sure glad it didn't. I'm seeing a ton of people from all over." Vicky Seeger of Rome enjoyed the food, displays and positive atmosphere. "I think it's beautiful and a big success," Seeger said. Business was steaming under the food tent for several restaurants and shops. "It's outstanding," said John Rember as he cooked up barbecued ribs and corn-on-the-cob for the Lake Arrowhead Association. "It's a perfect day." Weekenders and vacationers who stopped in were amazed at the turnout. "We were kind of joking, 'We're going to the Taste of Rome,'" said Susan LeGrand-Levine of Mount Horeb. Her family has a cottage on Walden Lake in Camelot, she said. "But this is awesome." Along with her foster son, Dominique Gaines, 15, LeGrand-Levine enjoyed some ribs. "It's really good," Gaines said, licking his fingers. "The food tastes great." LeGrand-Levine said the event introduced to her family to a new restaurant they would visit on their trips to the area. "It's delicious," she smiled. The event also featured a variety of food from Rome area businesses, informational displays and craft and other business booths. The new gazebo housed Todd Wenzel's Mighty Small Big Band, as they entertained the crowd throughout the day. Future businesses may come as a result of the event, ventured Lori Pritzl of Pritzl's Corner Mart in Rome. "I think that's what a lot of people are doing right now," Pritzl said, as she scooped cone after cone of ice cream. "We love it," she said. "I think it's going to make people realize the potential of Rome." Committee members, spotted by their orange shirts and white smiles, had nothing but good thoughts about the success. People and businesses from all around the Rome area joined in, surpassing the hopes of the committee. "We thought we'd be lucky if we got 1,500 (people) or so," said Howard Stuart.
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