PIQUA — Mainstreet Piqua is excited to announce the return of the Taste of the Arts street party in downtown Piqua on Friday, May 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the 300 and 400 blocks of North Main Street

“We are looking forward to offering this fantastic annual event once again for the people of Piqua. Food, music, art, family – it is such a great way to kick off the Summer events season. It is time to celebrate our sense of fun and community,” said Staci Roth, executive director of Mainstreet Piqua in a press release.

“You’re going to find delicious ‘small bites’ menus from many area restaurants and caterers. None of the selections will be over $5, so bring the family and try a little of everything. Event entry, music, and children’s activities are all free. Guests will only need to plan to pay for their food and drink while attending. Adults will get to enjoy adult beverages as well, with Crooked Handle on tap,” Roth continued.

The headline musical entertainment at this year’s event is the band “The Big Badd.” This Columbus-based group is high-energy and performs a great variety of dance and rock music. They perform all over Ohio and have a large fan following. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair and get comfortable.

There will also be a Kid’s Zone area – complete with a balloon artist, several activity stations, face painting, and games to play. Artists are still being confirmed, but a variety of media will be represented, including: jewelry making, pottery, abstract acrylics, photography, and more.

Artists will be demonstrating their processes inside several storefronts downtown and there will be works for sale.

The Piqua Kiwanis Club will be hosting a Bike Rodeo in the 500 block of Main Street during the event. Kids will learn about bike safety, and they may go home with a free bike helmet, or one of two bicycles being given away. Members of the Piqua Kiwanis will also keep visitors’ bicycles secure in their bike corral.

2024 Taste Sponsors include: Apex Aluminum; Awesome Piqua; Barclay’s Men’s-Women’s Clothiers; Buckeye Insurance Group; Edison State Community College; Forre Sports; Jackson Tube Service; Koverman Staley Dickerson Insurance; Park National Bank; Winans Chocolates + Coffee; Quint Creative Signs; and the City of Piqua.

Committee members invest many volunteer hours into making the event an enjoyable one for guests. New volunteers are always welcome, and anyone interested in helping with Taste of the Arts is asked to contact Mainstreet Piqua at 937-773-9355.