Third Annual Novi Taco Fest Attracts Thousands
If you’re a taco fanatic and found yourself in Novi over the weekend, chances are you stopped by the beloved annual event, the Novi Taco Fest.
Packed with tons of mouth-watering food options from 35 taco trucks and various other food vendors, the three-day fiesta kicked off on Friday at Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, located just across from the popular Twelve Oaks Mall. Retail vendors also joined the ranks offering great shopping opportunities.
Creating quite a stir among food lovers, the Fest drew an awe-inspiring crowd with an estimated 25,000 people turning up to enjoy the event. Those who attended were treated to more than just tacos, there were several exciting competitions to get involved in too. Catering to diverse interests, contest options ranged from taco-eating contests to hot pepper-eating contests and even a cute dog contest. The winners undoubtedly made most of their time enjoying the delicious food and engaging contests.
Charles Prater of Highland, the winner of the taco-eating contest, appeared rather nonchalant about his victory stating it was a piece of cake – or rather, a piece of taco. A connoisseur of African-Caribbean food, Chiquita Reed, shared her love for the venue itself, frequently hanging out at the Fountain Walk, and her appreciation of the events hosted there.
The hot pepper-eating contest champ, David Junker, had a simple, yet effective, strategy to win – a lot of fast swallowing. It all seemed to be just another day in paradise for him.
The Taco Fest found its roots as an art fair three years ago and rapidly evolved into the much-awaited annual event it is today. The executive director of the Art As Healing Foundation, the organization that orchestrates the bash, Karyn Stetz, shared the enthusiasm of everyone involved in creating the event. Highlighting the satisfaction shared by the mall, she noted how much locals on the west side of metro Detroit love the event.
As this year’s Fiesta came to an end, the organizers are already eyeing the next edition, with plans for 2025’s Taco Fest ringing in as early as January. Until then, Novi residents and taco aficionados everywhere will have to keep their taco cravings in check and relish the memories of this edition of the Novi Taco Fest.
