By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter
The Sixth Annual Taste of Newport offers food and fun for families to experience what Newport has to offer.
Josh Mcintosh and Company were among the bands performing at the sixth annual Taste of Newport unday (photo by David Kubota).
Various restaurants, breweries, and artists/artisans booths lined Monmouth Street.
Attendees could cool off courtesy of Bello’s Bike Pops, an all-natural and gourmet ice pop located on Monmouth Street. Iced coffee and lemonade were available at various venues including Carabello’s Coffee and Press on Monmouth.
A coffee joint that caught the attention of many was the Trailhead Coffee tent. Trailhead Coffee hosted the Newport High School Wildcats football team and recruited them to sell lemonade and iced coffees.
The players were incredibly enthusiastic and promised a free hug with every purchase.
For those looking for something with more substance, many tents offered affordable local food. Brio Tuscan Grill, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, JerZee’s Pub & Grub, Newport Pizza, and Pompilios were among the local favorites
Some business located on Monmouth took advantage of the increased foot traffic. Dixie Chili, a Chili parlor founded in 1929, didn’t have a tent but were more than happy to serve guests.
Other such as Arcadian Comics & Games, also took advantage of the crowds to show off their ware.
Jake Stout was looking through some of the comics available at the store.
“Events like these are great, otherwise I would’ve never heard of this place.” Stout said, “I used to love comics growing up and it’s funny I just ran into this place.”
Newport’s Microbreweries provided a selection of domestic and craft beers. Braxton Brewing Company, Hofbrauhaus, and Wooden Cask Brewing Company all offered visitors the local flavors.
Local artists and artisans set up tents selling their own designs, ranging from hand painted artwork to handcrafted jewelry. Ann Shaw, a local Newport artist brought along her handcrafted jewelry.
“I mostly just sell my things on Etsy, it’s really just a hobby but it’s my passion,” Shaw said. “Opportunities like these are awesome, I’m able to make something of my passion and it makes all the time I put into it worthwhile.”
Shaw is hopeful that the city will put on more events, allowing her more opportunities to share her passion with others.
Those who attended were also able to view some Vintage Campers from the 1980’s. The small compact spaces looked both cramped and colorful. Alex Thomas, one of the camper owners described his affinity for the portable house.
“My parents had one when I was growing up, it’s just something that has been in the family.” Thomas said. “I just try to keep it clean and my wife has made it a bit more colorful.”
Two live music stages were also set up, featuring several genres of music, including rock, folk, bluegrass, and country and western. The Revolver band, which includes Newport Police Chief Tom Collins, was among the attractions. Many of the other bands also included local Newport residents.
For the kids, the intersection at 8th Street was covered in chalk drawings, ranging from words of encouragement, to drawings of giant snakes, which encompassed the entire street. Buckets of chalk were available and kids were encouraged to create their own designs.
The great weather also encouraged locals to bring their four-legged friends and many could be seen walking up and down Monmouth Street.
The Taste of Newport lived up to its billing as an opportunity for those in attendance to experience everything Newport has to offer and for local restaurants and artisans to promote themselves.
David Kubota is an intern at NKyTribune and a student at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media. Contact him at david@nkytrib.com
