Visitors to the 2014 Taste of Medford will see a couple of new faces among the participating restaurants.
Two of the township’s newest eateries, The Pop Shop and Lulu’s Lunchbox, will be making their debut at this year’s event.
David Vaughn, executive director of the Medford Business Association, said the MBA is excited about both new eateries. Lulu’s Lunchbox recently opened at 18 S. Main St., while the Pop Shop is currently under construction at the corner of Main Street and Bank Street.
“We are pleased with the fact that the Pop Shop is coming to Medford and will be featured at the Taste of Medford,” Vaughn said. “We have another new eatery, Lulu’s Lunchbox, they’re going to be featured as well. We try to bring in everybody.”
The two new eateries are joining at least eight other restaurants that will also be featuring their dishes. ShopRite of Medford is also returning as the main sponsor.
Vaughn said the full list of participants has not been finalized. He said restaurants are welcome to sign up in the days leading up to the event.
“We have 10 participating restaurants and probably a couple more coming in,” Vaughn said.
The event will return to Kirby’s Mill for the third consecutive year after previously being held at Freedom Park. The MBA has worked in cooperation with the Medford Historical Society on the event. The Historical Society opens up Kirby’s Mill for event, holding tours and demonstrations of the site.
Vaughn said Taste of Medford will likely remain at Kirby’s Mill for the foreseeable future. Feedback on the new location has been positive.
“We’ve had 80 or 90 percent of people respond that Kirby’s Mill is a much more family-oriented atmosphere,” Vaughn said. “It’s a shady and very nice property.”
There will be other fun activities for children such as hayrides and pony rides in addition to the tours and demonstrations.
Taste of Medford isn’t just about restaurants. The event also features a business expo featuring Medford-area companies. Vaughn said the business expo has been good in giving some of the township’s businesses extra exposure and a chance to connect with visitors.
Residents can purchase their tickets for the event in advance at Columbia Bank on Route 70. Tickets purchased prior to the event are $12 for adults. On the day of the event, tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Children 3-years-old and under are free.
The MBA is still accepting sponsors and businesses for the event. Interested sponsors can visit www.medfordbusiness.org/events/tmd/tmd.html to download a registration form. Sponsors can receive a booth to showcase their products, as well as ad in the program and an honor roll plaque at the entrance to the event.
For more information on Taste of Medford, email medfordbusiness@me.com.
