Annual Taste of Morgan Hill Returns

Organizers expect 50,000 people at family-style event
By Tony Burchyns

Staff Writer

Morgan Hill – The Taste of Morgan Hill, to be held Sept. 23 and 24, returns this year to Monterey Road with all of its normal genialities – scrumptious food, colorful arts and crafts vendors, custom classic autos, live bands, etc. – and one brand-spanking-new, adrenaline-pumping attraction, thanks the U.S. Army. 

For the first time in the downtown event’s 17-year history, a 75-foot-long mobile trailer, designed to be completely interactive for festival-goers, will allow simulated parachute jumps and laser-guided target practice, presumably to help stir up positive vibes for our men and women in uniform. 

For the most part, though, the Taste of Morgan Hill will resemble last year’s version.

Serving as a fundraiser for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature three food courts with at least 15 local restaurants, a Business Expo with booths representing 100 local merchants and nonprofit organizations and entertainment consisting of a host of bands on two stages.

No wonder organizers expect 50,000 people to attend. 

The annual custom car show, featuring more than 150 classics, and the Harvest Quilt Show, are also back to compliment the family-styled street fair.

The Taste of Morgan Hill: Schedule and Highlights

The festival will be held 10am to 6pm, Sept. 23 and 24, on Monterey Road, in downtown Morgan Hill, between Main and Dunne avenues.

Festival Attractions

Arts & Crafts Zone

– What: About 100 specially selected arts and crafts vendors will display their wares for the public.

– Where: On Monterey Road, between First and Second streets, and between Third and Fourth streets.

Business Expo

– What: About 100 local merchants and nonprofit organizations will display their products and services.

– Where: On Monterey Road, between Main Avenue and First Street, and between Second and Third streets.

Harvest Quilt Show

– What: About 250 expertly crafted quilts will be displayed. Additionally, 20 quilt-related vendors will be selling fabrics, patterns, books, machines and other quilt-related items. An “I Spy” activity makes the show experience fun for children. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support the South Valley Quilt Association’s scholarship program.

– Where: Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.

Food Courts

– What: Three food courts will feature meals prepared by 15 local restaurants. Local nonprofit groups will also prepare cuisine. Food tickets will be sold at booths located at each food court. 

– Where: The three food courts will be located on Monterey Road at Main Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street. 

Entertainment

– What: A host of bands will be playing throughout the two-day event on two stages. The second stage will also feature exhibitions by dance troupes and martial arts students.

-Where: West Third Street (main stage) and West Second Street (second stage).

Custom &

Classic Car Show

– What: The car show returns with 165 classics on Saturday, Sept. 23, and 120 on Sunday, Sept. 24. A deejay will set the mood with old-time rock ‘n’ roll hits. 

– Where: On Monterey Road, between Fourth Street and Dunne Avenue.