Taste Of Johns Creek Promises Family Fun

When organizers of the fourth annual Taste of Johns Creek said they were taking the event to new heights this year, they meant it quite literally.

Who better to head up this wildly popular, family-friendly outdoor food sampling extravaganza and Cougar football and cheerleading fundraiser than the general manager of metro Atlanta’s most popular vintage aviation-themed restaurant, The 57th Fighter Group, positioned along the main runway at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport?

What’s more, Tricia Clancy of Johns Creek has two sons at Chattahoochee High: Ryan, a junior on the varsity football team, and Logan, a freshman and avid golfer.

Needless to say, the Clancy family has skin in the game.

“We’re really taking it to new heights this year with a great group of restaurants,” said Clancy, who is credited with resurrecting the 57th from obscurity to its former halcyon days of champagne Sunday brunches and patio bonfire happy hours backlit by the lollipop glow of runway lights at dusk.

“What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon,” Clancy added. “Sampling great food from great restaurants all while raising money for the Cougar football and cheer programs.”

Along with the 57th, the roster includes more than 50 other restaurants that are either unique to Johns Creek and North Fulton or larger chains with major presence here.

The event will feature live musical performances by rising country music artist Mandy Gawley and teen pop sensation Tyna Q.

And parents can be sure if all the walking around isn’t enough to tire out their tykes for the night, a “KidsZone” will feature gigantic inflatable Moon Walks, slides and obstacle courses; a dunking booth; hair decorating; caricatures for $5 per drawing; balloon designs; face painting; and a Johns Creek fire truck children can touch and tour.

“Taste of Johns Creek truly is a community effort,” said Lisa Kingree, co-president of the Chattahoochee football booster club with her husband, Bill. “We count on our parents not only for their volunteer time, but the kids sell tickets to the event, too. And they have to pay to get in. They need equipment and that’s why we rely on fundraising and each other to make it a success.”

Like the Clancys, the Kingrees have a vested interest in the event as their son, Jake, is a senior Cougar football player, while their daughter, Lexi, plays lacrosse and attends Taylor Road Middle School as an eighth-grader.

“This is our top fundraiser for Chattahoochee High School football and cheer programs," Kingree added. “But it really benefits the community as a whole. It promotes our local restaurants and corporate sponsors which puts money back into the community and keeps our school programs strong and attractive. And that keeps our home values up.”

"Those reasons alone make Taste of Johns Creek an event not to miss."

The fourth-annual Taste Of Johns Creek kicks off this Sunday at Chattahoochee High School from 4 to 7 p.m. Alcohol is prohibited.

Admission wristbands to the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and offer unlimited samples at the event.

All patrons over 4 years old must have a wristband; children 3 and younger get in free.

Advance ticket sales available at Chattahoochee High School main office (during regular school hours): 5230 Taylor Road | Johns Creek, 770-521-7600. Or contact chairpersons:

Tricia Clancy – tricia.clancy@comcast.net

Jan Hansen –  pastryj@gmail.com  

For more information, visit the event's website or Facebook page.