We are officially into mid-summer season:( I hate to say it, but I really must–August looms and I fear football season is right around the corner. Don’t get me wrong, I love football season, but it also means the end of soccer season (near the end) and that fall is upon us.

Now we are NOT there yet, and there are many more food festivals to be enjoyed before the sun starts setting a little earlier each day.

This Friday, the Taste of Lancaster opens it’s proverbial doors at 5:00pm with a performance by Back To The Bars. Saturday you can join the festivities starting at 11:00am. Droves of people come out for this wonderful food festival and it’s a great way to explore the historically rich village of Lancaster which was founded in 1833.

Named after Lancaster Massachusetts, it houses the oldest stone structure in Erie County–Warren Hull House, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. From houses originally built in the 1800’s to the Lancaster Opera House, there is a plethora of knowledge that Lancaster waits to share with one and all.

Here are a list of vendors will that will be offering food options at this year’s festival:

Alin’s Snak Wagon – Bloomin Onion
Mayers Concessions – Chocolate Covered Cheesecake
House of Munch – Fried Dough
Barrett Bros – Kettle Corn
Yakisobas – Terriyaki Chicken
Piccolo’s – Sugar Waffle
Lancaster Independent Guard – Swedish Meatball
Butts & Links – Pulled pork sundae
Green Acres Ice Cream – Sundaes
Mooney’s III – Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese
Sweet Melody’s – Gelato
The Pizza Heist – Stuffed Banana Pepper Pizza
Chrusciki Bakery – Chrusciki
Eddie Ryans – Reuben
Ronny’s Take Out – White Pizza
Butts & Ashes – Smoked Sausage on a Pretzel Bun
Midway Foods – Deep Fried Oreos
Broadway Deli – Raspberry Smoked Turkey Panini
Bavarian Nut Co – Glazed Nuts

If that list doesn’t get your tongue dancin’ and those synapses firing on all cylinders then check out Simply Italiano on Central Ave. Recently featured on WGRZ news, this organic Italian store offers food and groceries imported directly from Italy. Offering dishes such as Croxetti with fresh pesto, fresh Tuscan breads and so much more. Everything from pastas, sodas, carbonated water, olive oils, olives, and Calabrian Hot Pepper Tapenade; these are just a few of the delicacies you will find at this authentic Italian grocer. I will be spending much of my time here!

They have also partnered with House of Olives, who now occupy a corner of the store and offer the finest in cold pressed Italian olive oils.

With so much to do and see in Lancaster this weekend, I urge you all to get out and enjoy this fine summer weather, walk around with a loved one, and explore the many joys of our WNY suburbs.

Per tutta la mia famiglia e gli amici, gustare e che Dio vi benedica!