“Operationally, this was by far, in my opinion, our best Taste of Soul,” proclaimed Danny J. Bakewell, Jr., Sentinel executive editor and The Bakewell Company president.
He shared those comments at the Oct. 29 TOS Wrap-up meeting at The District on Crenshaw Boulevard. “And that really goes to all of you guys and all your hard work in getting it done. So thank you,” Bakewell said.
Sylvia Lacy echoed his sentiment, adding, “And we get better and better every year.”
With hundreds of thousands of attendees throughout the day, the 19th Annual Taste of Soul demonstrated a secure, welcoming environment for all ages. “There were no crimes reported,” confirmed Officer Nicholas D. Wren, adding that “for the size and scope of the event, it’s completely family-friendly and safe.”
Related Stories:
Thanks to efficient security efforts, only five children were briefly separated from their families and quickly reunited. The team skillfully managed minor incidents without LAPD involvement, underscoring the event’s strong commitment to safety.
A streamlined vendor check-in process and improved traffic flow helped make this one of the smoothest events. Only two vendors needed to relocate vehicles, setting a new efficiency benchmark.
“We saw less congestion and a more streamlined operation overall,” noted Lacy, emphasizing the team’s logistical success.
While vendor feedback was largely positive, some raised concerns about unauthorized sellers. Addressing these issues will be a focus for next year, aiming to improve the experience for everyone involved. Unexpected challenges, like a speeding vehicle near closing, kept the team on alert, serving as a reminder of areas for continuous improvement.
With 19 years under its belt, Taste of Soul continues to set the standard for large community events, proving that teamwork, dedication, and a bit of post-event reflection make each year better than the last.
Looking ahead to the 20th anniversary, the bar is expected to rise even higher to ensure a truly unforgettable celebration!
