Bid for Taste of Minnesota fails; asking price too high

Last update: July 31, 2008 - 9:31 PM

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The Taste of Minnesota festival is back on the market.

Cities 97 radio personality Brian (BT) Turner said Thursday that he and event promoter Kevin Campbell have decided not to complete their tentative deal to buy the annual summer food and music festival from the Capital City Partnership.

Turner said he and Campbell decided the asking price, which hasn't been disclosed publicly, was too high and that Capital City rejected a counteroffer.

Turner and Campbell are planning to produce a festival sometime "between this summer and next summer" that showcases local restaurant food and music. Turner said no details have been worked out yet.

Despite the developments, Turner said he and Campbell are still interested in buying the Taste, which they wanted to turn "around and put our imprint on it."

The partners would have brought in bigger-named bands and refocused the food to be more regional and multicultural.

Taste, held on the July 4th weekend, has been on Harriet Island for the past five years, where it was transplanted from the State Capitol grounds.

Officials with the Capital City Partnership couldn't be reached to comment.

"I've been kept out in the dark on this one," said Ron Maddox, who cofounded the festival and manages it for the Capital City Partnership.

"I've got a contract for two more years," Maddox said. He said he has booked a few sponsors and is looking for bands now.

CHRIS HAVENS

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