Hundreds enjoy downtown festival

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Saturday marked the fourth annual Taste of the Arts Festival.

The day included food from more than 30 restaurants and performances on more than seven stages. Vendors displayed their art and organizations, kids enjoyed arts and crafts, and some simply took a break from the heat and stayed by the fountain.

"And every year it just gets bigger and bigger with more performance and more artists selling their work, and more groups with hands on activities, and more food vendors," said Tena Woenker, the director of the Taste.

The festival took place on the streets surrounding The Arts United Center, and there were even a few performances inside. 

"It’s a really great way to see all the arts in the community, I myself perform a lot in the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, and I love being able to see more and more people exposed to the arts," said Chrissy Borne, Miss Fort Wayne 2012.

While Fort Wayne residents were able to see all of the fine arts available in their community, it was also a way for performers to showcase their talents to their neighbors. Jacob Schall, an eight year member for the Fort Wayne's Children Choir, said he hoped the festival helped his group gain exposure.

"We usually perform in very beautiful spaces, but it’s nice to be outside with the community and show them how good we are," Schall said.

The Taste of the Arts is a combination of Fort Wayne’s old Fine Arts Festival and the Taste of Fort Wayne. It brings together the food from one and the art appreciation from the other.

"We know they're out there, but what a wonderful way to pull everyone downtown and to be able to showcase all of the wonderful things Fort Wayne has to offer," said Tina Gasnarez, a festival attendee.

The festival was from noon to 7 p.m. The day's events were followed by "dessert" which featured more live music and food at local restaurants like the Dash-In.