The 27th annual Taste of Minnesota kicks off Thursday, but this year, it "tastes" and feels a little different.
"Did a lot of listening over the course of the last six months," Andy Faris said. Faris and his two buddies bought the taste this winter. "Increased security was a concern for some people particularly those who wanted to bring their families down here. We've tightened security, we've made some big changes at the gates," he explained.
Perhaps the biggest change is you'll be required to cough up 10 bucks if you want to get on the grounds after 3 p.m. Those ten dollars will get you ten tickets for food and beverages. The theory is those that are willing to pay aren't passing through looking for trouble.
"We make a living selling food here and that's a big issue for us is to have the security," a satisfied Craig Gass said. Gass runs a hamburger joint a stone's throw from the main stage.
"You can feel good about bringing your family down here, we've beefed up police and security personnel," Faris said.
Organizers say its not just security that's been beefed up, the musical muscle on stage also got a shot in the arm this year. "We've doubled the entertainment budget," Faris explained.
This year's headliners include Staind, Elvis Costello, White Snake, and Judas Priest.
The Taste of Minnesota opens every day at noon and it runs through Sunday on Harriet Island. If you show up before 3 p.m. admission is free.
