Bigger stages, new vendors to grace the 43rd Taste of Tippecanoe

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In its 43rd year in downtown Lafayette, the Taste of Tippecanoe will celebrate some of the best food, drink and music Greater Lafayette has to offer, all to benefit The Arts Federation.

Tetia Lee, chief executive officer for TAF, said annual eventgoers will notice several new food and drink vendors among the 32 slated to set up along the streets, including Dots 3 Southern Soul Food & Catering and Hooker Corner Winery.

But among those additions, festivalgoers will also notice larger stage presences as well, Lee said, with one specifically marked to highlight DJ talents from around the state.

"Last year, the stage for DJs was small, but it was incredible to see people from all different backgrounds dancing together," Lee said. "So this year, we wanted to bring their presence up to the next level."

The annual event in downtown Lafayette serves as TAF's biggest fundraiser, Lee said, which is something she finds regular attendees are still learning each year.

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Pointing to projects like more recent Ninth Street corridor murals and TAF's after-school arts program, Lee said ongoing efforts such as those would not be possible without the money raised through the annual Taste of Tippecanoe.

"Another thing that sets the Taste apart from other free festivals is that we pay our performers," Lee said. "The cost of admission to the festival goes toward supporting artists in our community and allows them to be able to make a living. We would be hypocrites as an arts organization if we asked them to do what they do for free."

In her 17th year organizing the Taste of Tippecanoe, Lee said the event is something she looks forward to each year, where she is able to mingle with attendees and interact with the broad Greater Lafayette community.

"I really like to have that one-on-one time of thanking people for coming and helping to support the arts," Lee said. "This event wouldn't be possible without our volunteers who make sure everything runs smoothly, and we're looking forward to another great Taste this year, too."

The Taste of Tippecanoe will kick off at 6 p.m., and tickets will be available for purchase at the entrance gates for $10. Children ages 12 and younger may enter for free when accompanied by an adult.

Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal and Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ellison_writes.