Novi Taco Fest Kicks Off for a Third Year
Novi, Michigan, is buzzing with excitement as the Novi Taco Fest returns for its third year. The festival kicked off on Friday and is set to run throughout the weekend at the bustling Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, conveniently located across from the popular Twelve Oaks Mall. This beloved event is attracting food lovers from all around, with organizers expecting around 25,000 attendees over the course of the weekend.
Taco Trucks, Competitions, and More
This year, festival-goers can look forward to indulging in goodies from 35 taco trucks and various food vendors, creating a taco paradise right in Novi. The festival is not just about the food; there are also numerous entertaining competitions lined up throughout the event. Attendees can participate in taco-eating contests, hot pepper-eating contests, and even a cute dog contest, ensuring there’s something exciting for everyone.
During Friday’s inaugural events, Charles Prater from Highland emerged victorious in the taco-eating contest. With enthusiasm, he expressed, “It was a piece of cake. Someone told me, ‘Hey, there’s a taco eating contest. I know you love to eat tacos. Do you want to get in on this?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I know I can eat tacos faster than anyone else here.’” His confidence and love for tacos were clear as he savored the friendly competition.
A Flavorful Experience
The festival has become a local favorite, and many attendees are taking the opportunity to try out different cuisines. Chiquita Reed, a festive patron, shared her experience, saying, “The Fountain Walk is really where I come to hang out. I love to come here. All the festivals, the BBQ festival that they had a couple of months ago, I was here.” Reed returned to the festival specifically for the African-Caribbean food, showcasing the diverse food options available.
Another memorable moment came from David Junker, who won the hot pepper-eating contest. He revealed his secret to success: “Eat fast and swallow as fast as you can.” The competition showcased not just speed, but also the thrill of pushing one’s limits in front of a cheering crowd.
Growth and Future Plans
The Taco Fest was initially born out of an art fair just three years ago, and has grown significantly since its debut. Karyn Stetz, the executive director of the Art As Healing Foundation, which organizes the fest, shared insights on the event’s evolution. “The mall is really happy with the event and they like to promote it too. So, it’s very helpful for everyone out here on the west side of metro Detroit,” she noted. The collaboration has positively impacted local businesses, attracting more visitors to the area.
As festivities continue, Stetz mentioned they would begin planning for next year’s Taco Fest as early as January, signaling a commitment to make this event an annual highlight for the community.
Join the Celebration
This weekend, if you find yourself in Novi, there’s still time to join in on the fun at the Novi Taco Fest. With plenty of food, friendly competition, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the love of tacos and community spirit.
