Michigan weather was as fickle as its reputation Saturday, May 1 with a stormy morning giving way to a beautiful sunny spring afternoon. The crowds at Ric’s Food Center, 6767 Belding Road, proved reliable, however, as the parking lot and store were filled with visitors to the Spring Taste of Ric’s event from noon to 4 p.m.
Food samples not only taste delicious, but Are attractively displayed, giving shoppers ideas for any graduation parties that may be in the works. Handing out Boarshead ham and lacy Swiss cheese were Martha Cox (blue shirt) and Anita Roelofs.
Store Director Dave Brickner was happy with the turnout after his staff and store vendors worked hard to prepare for a successful event with samples, music, prizes and plenty of smiles down the aisles.
“We had a lot to compete with,” Brickner said, noting that many other festivals and events were held the same day.
Brickner believes the strong turnout shows how much people enjoy the customer appreciation events the store holds several times a year. He said vendors and staff all look forward to offering samples of their product to a pleased public.
(Bouncy house girl in glasses): Lelaina Schneider, 4-1/2, takes a moment to mug for the camera during her bouncing at Ric’s Food Center.
“It makes sense,” Brickner said. “This is their chance to showcase their product to hundreds and hundreds of people all in one day.”
Bismarck Sequeira provides live music at the Taste of Ric’s Saturday, May 1. The Nicaragua native has been living in Rockford the past five years, and makes his living with music and can sing in either English or Spanish. He comes from a family of musicians and sends his love to his mother back in Nicaragua. “I would love to send her a clipping from the paper so she can see what I am doing here,” he said.
Sodaira, one of Ric’s hard-working deli team members, hands out regular and BBQ boneless chicken bites. She said the deli was changing out trays as quickly as they emptied. “I hope we have enough,” she said around 1 p.m. “We still have three hours to go.”
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