Every summer, foodies boarding flights to Chicago are treated to a massive food fest, Windy City style. The Taste of Chicago Festival has become a summer staple in Chicago, treating visitors to some of the city’s most drool-worthy dishes each and every July.

However, due to budget concerns and dipping attendance figures, the city has announced plans to down-size the event in 2012. The festival will shrink from a 10-day run in 2011 to between just five and seven days in 2012.

In addition, greater emphasis will be placed on food at Taste ’12 as expensive music acts and fireworks displays have led to big profit losses in recent years. Organizers are also hoping to draw more upscale establishments to participate in 2012 to highlight Chicago’s blossoming upscale dining scene.

According to reports, the city wants to keep the event free for as long as possible but there have been talks in the past about instituting a $10 admission fee.

Source: Chicago Sun Times

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