Annual Taste of Downtown takes over Carson City

Thousands gathered in downtown Carson City Saturday for the 23rd annual Taste of Downtown to benefit the Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

The event, which stretched nearly 18 blocks of downtown, featured close to 40 different Carson restaurants and bars, offering patrons a variety of local cuisine. Old favorites like The Lady Tamales and The Firkin & Fox mingled with the new.

“I love being a part of a local community and having a community event that all the proceeds goes to the Advocates to End Domestic Violence,” said Kimberly Siefert.

Siefert was one of the servers at Artsy Fartsy, providing guests with a coconut and lime sangria. She said she loves to work the event every year because as a self-employed woman, the community has always been there for her.

“This community supports me and so I support it,” Siefert said. “I look forward to this event every year, it is just fabulous.”

Curry Street and adjacent blocks were filled with food tents, beer carts and people as far as the eye could see. Offered at the event were things like a brisket sandwich, cupcakes, sausage stuffed pretzels and pizza for people to enjoy.

“My favorite thing is the Thick Slice Pizza,” said Bill Kausler. “I just like the pizza, it is great.”

There were specialty drinks from restaurants like Blue Bull Bar, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Starbucks and more to cool off guests as they sampled the different dishes.

In addition to the variety of food, patrons were entertained with a host of bands in nearly every genre, including country and blues. One of the crowd favorites was the Motown band Soul Persuaders. People crowded their stage at Telegraph Square as the band played classic favorites and modern hits such as “Uptown Funk.” The three-man band kept crowds dancing and singing along all night.

“It is such a great band to dance to,” said Amy Wright. “I called all of my friends over to hear the band. Music is a big thing to bring and it is all about bringing all varieties to bring people out to dance. “

At the end of the event, guests left with bellies full and laughter filling the air, concluding another successful Taste of Downtown.

Organizers said 1,800 people attended.

“It went great, I am really happy with it,” said Lisa Lee, director of Advocates to the End Domestic Violence.