Telegraph photo by MATHEW PLAMONDON While visiting downtown Nashua Monday afternoon, Mont Vernon residents Nichole and Chris De Modena enjoy Mexican cuisine at Casa Vieja Mexican Grill at 96 Main St. This is one of the restaurants participating in this year’s Taste of Downtown, set for Wednesday.

NASHUA – The city is known for the wide variety of restaurants and retail shops, all of which will be celebrated Wednesday with the 25th annual Great American Downtown Taste of Downtown Nashua.

The event is set 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday. With 25 different restaurants and caterers putting their works on display, those participating will not only be able to travel from one restaurant to the next, but they will also have the opportunity to explore local retailers and specialty shops along the way.

“The past five years, we’ve worked to grow the event from around 20 stops and I believe we are up to 28 stops now, for the 25th annual Taste of Downtown,” Great American Downtown Executive Director Paul Shea said.

“This event is not only a way to experience downtown food, but also some of the great independent retail shops downtown,” he added. The event tends to introduce attendees to new shops they might want to find their way back to during future visits to the city.

With tickets remaining, going for $35 a piece through the end of today – and $40 on Wednesday – those still interested in the event have a chance to join in on the fun. Tickets for children under the age of 6 are free.

The tickets come with a map to lead participants to new and exciting food destinations they otherwise might miss.

Shea said all ticket proceeds from the event go toward the nonprofit’s Mission of Vibrancy, funding events and community projects, including the Winter Holiday Stroll, the Nashua Farmers Market, Downtown Park Clean Up Days, Gate City Community Gardens, Nashua Street Pianos and the Downtown Music Festival Series, among many others.

“So, Great American Downtown has worked tirelessly over the years to bring programs that contribute to economic and cultural vibrancy to downtown Nashua,” Shea said. “The proceed help to continue those programs we have throughout the year.”

With the event reaching its 25th anniversary, Taste of Downtown serves as the Granite State’s longest running food hopping event, and as it has grown the number of vendors involved have grown with it.

What started out with a dozen or so restaurants in the mid-1990s has developed into an event that includes 25 restaurants partnering with more than 20 retailers, lending a diverse variety of tastes to the rotation. With The Peddler’s Daughter’s Irish-based cuisine, Fratello’s Italian Grille, all the way to the Giant of Siam’s Thai food, with seafood, Mexican, cafe food and coffee, barbecue, beer, wine and so much more, everyone is sure to find something they like.

Not only will those making their way from shop to shop be privy to the food and retail atmosphere, but there will also be live entertainment provided by students from North Main Music School, who will be playing on the Nashua Street Pianos, and The New Englanders, a regular performer at the Nashua Farmers Market.

Also showing off his skills at the event will be Dan Staples of Dan’s Balloons, who will be making balloon sculptures for children of all ages.

“We really appreciate the support of all of our attendees and sponsors,” Shea said. “This event is a big part of what makes our growing list of Great American Downtown events possible.”

Those interested in attending can find tickets at Fresh of Nashua, Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts and Scontsas Fine Jewelry and Home Decor during regular business, as well as online at https://downtownnashua.org/taste/.

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