36th Annual Taste of Newton – October 12th, 2023!

About the Taste of Newton:

Taste of Newton is THE premier Chamber event of the year – drawing thousands to downtown Newton to enjoy the many flavors that our community has to offer.

That’s right! The event is all about food. Food trucks, local non-profits, and other food vendors are invited downtown for the evening to serve a variety of different treats that the community can enjoy. So, not only do you support local food trucks, but you also have the opportunity to contribute to non-profit fundraisers at this event.

History of Taste of Newton

The first Taste of Newton was in 1987, put on by Bethel College to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the school with the local community. With vendors lined up on sidewalks, powered by extension cords that ran from within downtown businesses, the event was a hit. In the following years, the event was handed off to the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce.

To this day, Taste of Newton still aligns with Bethel College Fall Fest. This festival has celebrated education, diverse cultural tradition, special foods, fine arts, crafts and friendship for the last 50 years. To kick off their event, Bethel College sponsors 2 stages of entertainment at Taste of Newton that you can enjoy while eating tasty treats. Click here to learn more about Bethel College Fall Fest.

Entertainment

Because of the history of Taste of Newton, and our partnership with the annual Bethel College Fall Fest, Bethel College coordinates the entertainment stages! There are two stages at this event: a performing arts stage (intersection of 6th and Main) and a music stage (Broadway and Main). Different community groups will perform at these stages throughout the evening.

Vendors:

Vendors for Taste of Newton typically receive booth space by invitation only. However, we know that there are many of you who would be interested in participating in this event as a vendor. If you would like to make any inquiries about being placed on a waitlist, please contact Pam Stevens, event coordinator, at pam@newtonchamberks.org.

Event Sponsorships

There are two event sponsorship opportunities available to members of the Chamber.

Block Sponsor – $500 – Taste of Newton Block Sponsors receive several benefits, including a main block display at the event with the opportunity to hand out promotional items, recognition on signage and event maps, social media, and the Chamber newsletter.

Port-O-Potty Sponsor – $350 – As a Port-O-Potty sponsor, you receive signage on port-o-potties, as well as recognition on event maps, social media, and the Chamber newsletter.

If you are interested in any of these sponsorship opportunities, contact Pam Stevens at pam@newtonchamberks.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event ticketed? Nope! Taste of Newton is not a ticketed event. Patrons are invited to arrive any time during event hours to get in line at their favorite vendor booth to purchase food!

Is there space to sit while I eat my food? Yes! Thanks to our partnership with the City of Newton, City of Newton Staff place picnic tables along sidewalks in the event area. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

Will restrooms be made available? Yes. Port-o-potties will be located at E 6th and Main.

Is there a place to park my bike at the event? Yes! The Harvey County Health Department has a free bike park station that is monitored at all times during the event. You are welcome to park your bike and walk around to enjoy food.

May I pass out flyers at my booth? No – the only booths allowed to pass out anything besides food at the event are Block Sponsors.