The 12th annual Taste of East Syracuse was celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 2, bringing dozens of families to the area outside the municipal building to taste food from local eateries, enjoy live music, participate in children activities, support local organizations and to witness the sixth annual cook-off between East Syracuse Mayor Robert Tackman and Damian Price, a chef from the East Syracuse Wegmans location.
A panel of 20 local “celebrity judges” tasted the dishes from the cook-off, and named Tackman the winner for the fifth year in a row.
At the event, Tackman presented Parks Director Tom Richardson with a village proclamation to acknowledge the work he has done for the village.
Mayor Robert Tackman prepares his dish with the aid of his brother.
Judges Kay Gallery, Hayleigh Gowans and Mary Albanese test the food.
Face painting and other family-friendly activities were set up for the enjoyment of everyone.
Many local restaurants and organizations were on hand to provide food for purchase.
Tacos were a popular dish among the crowd.
Chef Damian Price’s surf and turn skewer dish.
Mayor Tackman’s skewers included chicken, steak and pineapple.
Mayor Robert Tackman, right, reads a village proclamation acknowledging the hard work Parks Director Tom Richardson, left, has put into the village.
Tackman’s daughter shows off who she supports in the cook-off.
Mayor Robert Tackman and Wegmans Chef Damian Price take a break from grilling to pose for a photo.
A group of 20 “celebrity judges” were tasked with deciding who would be the winner of the cook-off this year.
Syracuse Chiefs mascot Scooch stands next to East Syracuse Minoa Superintendent Donna DeSiato near the judges table.
The Noisy Boys put on the live music for the event.