If you are in Novi, Michigan, and have a love for tacos, this weekend is all set to be a festive treat for you. The popular Novi Taco Fest has returned for the third year, promising to fill the city with an aroma of delicious flavors and cuisines. The three-day event started on Friday at the Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, across from Twelve Oaks Mall.
The organizers are expecting a massive footfall of about 25,000 visitors. There are 35 unique taco trucks along with other food vendors and retail units set up, ready to cater to the gastronomic delights of the attendees.
But it is not just about the food – it’s about the fun too! The Taco Fest includes various contests such as taco-eating contests, hot-pepper eating contests, and even cute dog contests. For instance, Charles Prater, a resident of Highland, emerged as the winner of a taco-eating contest, expressing his love for tacos and challenging anyone to out-eat him.
Aside from local residents, the festival also promises an exciting cultural blend. Visitors like Chiquita Reed not only enjoy the local flavors but come back for more exotic cuisines such as African-Caribbean food. David Junker, the winner of a hot pepper eating contest, assured that his winning strategy was simple, “Eat fast and swallow as fast as you can.”
Karyn Stetz, the executive director of the organizing body, Art As Healing Foundation, described the festival’s evolution over the years. Starting as an art fair three years ago, it has now transformed into a culinary event that people eagerly look forward to. She also expressed how the fest positively impacts local businesses and contributes to the community spirit on the west side of metro Detroit.
The team behind Novi Taco Fest has already started planning for Taco Fest 2025, ensuring that this beloved tradition continues to spice up the city’s event calendar for many more years to come.
