Novi Taco Fest Draws Massive Crowd in Third Year
Attention all food lovers! It’s time to rejoice as Novi city, Michigan welcomes food enthusiasts from around the locale for the annual Taco Fest. Kicking off for the third time, the much-anticipated taco festival took place this weekend at the heart of Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, across from the popular Twelve Oaks Mall.
Expected to draw a whopping crowd of 25,000 people, the spectacular event featured 35 different taco trucks, along with a variety of other food and retail vendors, creating an unforgettable gastronomical journey for every visitor.
Beyond the colorful tapestry of tacos, the Fiesta also included some thrilling competitions like sizzling-hot pepper eating contests, satisfyingly fattening taco-eating contests, and heart-melting cute dog contests. One of the winners, Charles Prater, claimed victory in the taco eating contest, referring to it as a ‘piece of cake’ or should we say, piece of a taco!
Not just the competitions, the Fest has quickly become a favorite hangout spot for many regulars like Chiquita Reed who along with her son indulged in delightful African-Caribbean food. Surely a taste fest like no other!
Another winner, David Junker, who conquered the hot pepper eating contest, advised enthusiastic participants to ‘eat fast and swallow as fast as you can!’
Behind the Sunday, the executive director of Art As Healing Foundation, Karyn Stetz, the organizing force of the fest, expressed her joy. She recalled how the fest, which began as an art fair three years ago, has evolved into a highly anticipated annual event. “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 expressed.
Marking the end of the grand Fiesta, attendees are looking forward to Taco Fest 2025, planning for which is already set to commence in January, promising yet another feast for the senses in the coming year. Foodies, mark your calendars!
