Taste this: Lobster on a stick under a clear, blue sky

Popcorn vendor Joe Auge, his tent aflutter in a caressing wind off the Mississippi River, staked out a strategic location near two big music stages at Taste of Minnesota, a four-day festival that opens today in St. Paul.

Carrie's Popcorn, a business his wife runs in St. Paul and Stillwater, has seen some good years at the Taste, like the time the Auges sold 800 pounds of popcorn, 2,100 pounds of ice cones and 1,200 bags of cotton candy.

"I keep coming back. Must be good enough," Joe Auge said of sales at the Taste, now in its 26th year.

So far so good this week at the festival of food, music and markets, which opens at 11 a.m. on Harriet Island across the river from downtown St. Paul.

"This is the best opening we've had," said Ron Maddox, who co-founded Taste and manages it for Capital City Partnership. Good weather, he said, makes a big difference in attendance. Rain drove crowds away last summer, but perfect weather is forecast for this weekend. "I'm looking for one of our best festivals this year," he said.

Taste of Minnesota typically draws 200,000 to 400,000 people, he said, but attendance is difficult to measure because admission is free.

Capitol City hopes to sell the long-running festival before next year's event and has a tentative deal with Cities 97 radio personality Brian "BT" Turner and event promoter Kevin Campbell, according to Maddox, who would stay on as manager if the deal closes as expected later this year.

The Taste this year will host a Christian music stage for the first time, Maddox said. The 22 acts will include a variety of genres, such as rock, gospel, reggae and contemporary, played by musicians from several ethnic backgrounds.

Anyone looking for something new among the 43 food vendors and 30 sponsors will find lobster on a stick, organic pancakes, crab cakes on a bun and even peanut butter and jelly, said Linda Maddox, Ron's wife, who handles many of the festival details.

This is Taste's fifth year on Harriet Island, transplanted from the State Capitol grounds. Ron Maddox said the new location has controlled entrances that help keep crime low and said he strives to create a family environment where everyone from small children to seniors can feel welcome. To that end, the festival will have a family relaxation area this year.

Tonight's entertainment includes a concert by 1970s supergroup REO Speedwagon. Fireworks close out each of the four evenings through Sunday. Details, including routes and locations for shuttle buses, are available at www.tasteofmn.org.

Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554