FAQs for Vendors and Sponsors

What is the 2021 version of Rotary’s Taste of White Bear Lake?

“The Taste” will be an in-person event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. The goals are simple but important: Celebrate the people and businesses of our community, and raise money which Rotary invests in local and international service projects. We anticipate a traditional Taste event, drawing upward of 500-600 people, public-health permitting. We’ll be following the lead of Pine Tree Apple Orchard, which will follow state mandates for the health and safety of all involved. At the moment, we are confident we can hold a live event safely and for everyone’s enjoyment.

Building off of 2020’s campaign, a ticket to the Taste will again include a summer celebration of sorts, offering coupons to restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and other vendors. Ticket holders will have access to free signature items, coupons, and special promotions, and in using them support the community.

What’s happening this spring?

Teams of Rotarians are connecting with vendors who have participated and possible new participants. Some, too, might prefer to be in the coupon book only. We are also connecting with possible sponsors. From the marketing side, we are updating our website, redesigning this year’s Taste ticket, and considering robust plans to recognize sponsors and vendors in print and online through our social media platforms. Rotarians' commitment has been inspiring, and there will be more ways to volunteer if you are interested in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned.

How can people buy a Taste 2021 ticket?

Club members will be encouraged to sell tickets. More information is forthcoming. In early May, tickets (and the accompanying coupon book) can be ordered online at tasteofwhitebearlake.com. Tickets are $40 apiece, and admit one person to the event at Pine Tree. Each ticket will be assigned a unique number corresponding to the holder and gets mailed to the requested address.

What are the accompanying coupons?

From May through most of the year, ticket-holders will be able to use their coupon promotions. Each vendor has offered up special promotions (from entrees to appetizers and on) and timetables to redeem those items. What are the benefits for participating food and drink vendors? This past year has presented unprecedented challenges for many community businesses. The Taste is designed to drive traffic into our community businesses, encouraging ticket-holders to use their coupons to sample our vendors’ specialties and promotions this summer and, while there, to generously support participating businesses.

What are the benefits for sponsors?

As a sponsor, more than ever before you will be directly supporting the service and charitable work of our Rotary Club, and also generating tremendous goodwill in our community by supporting our community food and beverage vendors, many of which have suffered significantly as a result of the pandemic. You are investing in optimism and hope.

How are sponsors and vendors recognized?

Sponsors and vendors will be given widespread recognition, including regular social media posts through our club platforms. Print advertisements also are planned about the Taste. Vendors get highlighted on their coupons, too. We also will have flyers in the community, and featured prominently in local businesses, including some participating restaurants and other vendors.