By Jeff Kenney Citizen editor
July is approaching, and in Culver that has come to mean that the annual Taste of Culver festival can’t be far away. This year is no exception, and with seven area restaurants already on board, Alison Schuldt of the Culver-Union Twp. Public Library – which sponsors the downtown event – is forging ahead with what has become a well-oiled, if occasionally stressful-to-organize happening now, in its third year.

As in part years, attendees to the free event may buy tickets (presale is July 1, but tickets, of course, will also be on sale the day of the event), priced at $1 each, towards the price of food prepared and served by a number of Culver’s renowned and popular restaurants. No food item will be priced over $4, so diners really will get a chance to sample a “taste” of Culver, all on Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to many of the popular restaurants on hand at past festivals, several will offer food this year that haven’t in the past.
In addition to face painting for children throughout the event, Schuldt says the popular band, Half Pint Jones, which includes local guitarist Justin Ross, will be back to provide the sounds. “Their music is very appropriate for an outdoor summertime venue,” says Schuldt. “It appeals to all ages. It’s fun and upbeat. They themselves are easy going, great to work with guys.”
The library itself will be closed the day of the event, but the full library staff will be on hand, though Schuldt notes that volunteers are always needed.
“This is our library fund raiser,” she notes. “The money from this will go to support library efforts. It’s a way to promote our local eateries while promoting and recognizing our library.”
Schuldt cites the cooperation and generosity of a number of area entities in making the festival, which will take place on Main Street directly in front of the library, take place. “We have so many businesses in and around this community that contribute to Taste via donations and support,” she explains. “It really is a community sponsored event and not just library sponsored event.”
 “It’s a community event that’s family friendly, which I think is very important,” Schuldt continues. “We have many local people that come, but also a lot of people from out of town. And it’s a community wide event that brings all elements of our community together. It’s great to see people just kick back and eat local food and visit with local friends, and enjoy the weather and have a good time.”