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Presented by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Produced with support from the Elkhart Rotary Club

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It was a gorgeous summer day at Michiana’s most beautiful outdoor location featuring fine art, live music a sampling of the area’s tastiest food and drinks.

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RESTAURANTS
(With special thanks to restaurant sponsor – Chiphone!)

It’s called Taste of the Gardens; restaurants are the heart of this event. Michiana restaurants have a unique opportunity to showcase their “best bites” at this event, and it’s your chance to try something new! This year, we offered a number of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options to please every palate. Restaurants received 100 % of their sales.

2023 Taste of the Gardens Restaurant Awards-thanks to all who voted for Fan Favorite!:

• Judge’s Best Bite-Savory: Essence Restaurant, Coppa Pork Steak with Pepperoni Fried Rice
  (Honorable mention: Corner Bar, Hotel Elkhart, Pickle Lady Flatbread)
• Judge’s Best Bite-Sweet: Artisan, Olive Oil Cake with Peaches and Cream
  (Honorable mention: Essence Restaurant, Lemon-Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Fan Favorite-Savory: Bird in the Hand, Smashburger
  (Honorable mention: Essence Restaurant, Japanese Sweet Potatoes)
• Fan Favorite-Sweet: Mini Delights Bake Shoppe, Key Lime Tart
  (Honorable mention: All Over Creations, French Beignets)

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ART
(with special thanks to Artist Sponsor – D&W Inc)

Taste of the Gardens 2023 Artist Awards-thanks to all who participated!:

• “Best Overall” Award Winner: Alli Farkas
• “Best Expression of the Gardens” Award Winner: Jill Bontrager
• “Best Booth Display” Award Winner: Sunday Mahaja

2023 Participating Artists:
Jewelry – Terri Blaising, Judy Ladd, Lisa Kreitner
Painting & Watercolors – Jill Bontrager, Brian Boothe, Alli Farkas, Jen Firestone, Jessica Flores, Cathy Hagen, Deb Haithcox, Alexandra Hibshman, Jessica Kauffman, Kimberley Lichty, Joe Michalski, Angela Studebaker
Photography – Kathleen Lattimer, Marc Listello, Deb Potis
Pottery / Ceramics – Anne Blackburn, Cathy Lawson, Lorie Marsh, Sadie Misiuk, Linda Mintz, Joseph Pelka
Metal / Sculpture / Yard Art – Jim & Jo Cook – Coppertime Sprinklers, Sunday Mahaja, Joan Mulvehill
Various – Karen Archangel (recycled materials), Brooke Garber (Scroll Saw Art), Nancy Jackson (glass), Lynn Kee (rock art), Carol Keppler (pressed flowers)

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MUSIC
(with special thanks to music sponsor–
INOVA Federal Credit Union)

LIVE Entertainment Lineup Sponsored by INOVA Federal:

• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Paul Decker & the Real Deal
• 1:45-3:15 p.m. – The Whistle Pigs
• 4-5:30 p.m. – The 1985 Band

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Garden Boutique

They may not be in our juried art show, but these artisans had some creative wares for purchase! Thanks to all who participated!

2023 Participating Artisans:
Bath / Body products: Forever Clean Soap Works
China decorative products: China Blooms
Clothing: Raleigh Raye’s Boutique, Sophie G Baby Clothes
Jewelry: Dawn’s Wood Earrings, Vania Elias Jewelry, Lemme Fuse permanent jewelry
Plants: Succinct Creations
Snacks: All Things Snacks by Mary Jess

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Taste of the Gardens’ frequently asked questions:

Can we bring chairs?

You’re welcome to! We’ve also got folding chairs available at the concert venue and under the tent where the food vendors are. Food/coolers may not be brought in to this event.

Can we get tickets when we arrive? How does ticketing work?

Yes! Tickets are available at the gate, or online (click any of the “Purchase Tickets” links on this page) in advance, and we’ll get you scanned in when you arrive. Ticketing is simple – purchase your admission tickets, then purchase food and drink tickets for whatever you want to drink or eat while at the Taste. Items from our bar are sold the old-fashioned way: cash or credit.

How does the food & drink ticketing work?

To sample the different bites our food vendors are providing, you’ll purchase food & drink tickets, which are worth $2 each, and are available in packs of $10 (5 tickets per pack) and $20 (10 tickets per pack). Each food item is “priced” at 1-3 tickets. Purchase your food & drink tickets in advance (click any of the “Purchase Tickets” links on this page), at our admission tent when you arrive, or at select location throughout the Gardens.

Water and soft drink stations are located throughout the Gardens, and a cash bar provided by Navarre Catering & Events is also available. ATMs are NOT available at Wellfield, but you can pay for admission, food & drink, and bar items with credit card or cash.

Where should we park?

Parking is plentiful in the lot at the northeast corner of Main/Simonton – from there, it’s a short walk to our admission tent. ADA parking is available across the street from us at 1000 N. Main St. No parking is available on Wellfield’s property.

Can we bring our dogs?

NO. Due to crowds, heat, noise – this special, ticketed event is not the best place for Fido. Please don’t make our staff or volunteers disappoint you, and leave your dog at home. Thanks!

What if it rains?

Taste of the Gardens will go on, rain or shine. If weather is severe, we reserve the right to cancel or delay the start of the event.

We hope you enjoy the 14th Taste of the Gardens!

Any questions? Please email us at info@wellfieldgardens.org, or call 574-266-2006, x105.

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Sponsorship Opportunities available!
Download the form, or contact us for more details: info@wellfieldgardens.org

THANKS to our 2023 Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

$5,000 Music Sponsor

$2,500 | Artist Sponsor

$2500 Restaurant Sponsor

$1000 Taste Sponsors
Beacon Health System
Chester Law
DJ Construction
J.A. Wagner Construction, Inc.
Kruggel Lawton CPA
Senior1Care | Susan and Carl Bossung

$500 Patron Sponsors
A-1 Signs & Graphics
Centier Bank
Insight Accounting Group
Martin’s Super Markets
Meijer store #328
Mid-City Supply Co, Inc.
Surf Internet
Warrick & Boyn, LLP

Garden Beautification Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Annual Partners of Wellfield Botanic Gardens
also support Taste of the Gardens through their generous support of Wellfield Botanic Gardens – THANK YOU!