Taco Fest Returns to New Lenox with Sizzling Surprises

New Lenox, IL is gearing up for the second edition of its highly anticipated Taco Fest, set to take place on Saturday, July 20th. This year's event promises to be even more exciting, with the addition of a thrilling hot sauce contest that is sure to tantalize taste buds and test the limits of spice-loving attendees.

Unleash Your Taste Buds at New Lenox's Taco Extravaganza

Taco Showdown: A Battle of Culinary Creativity

The heart of Taco Fest is the taco competition, where local restaurants and food trucks showcase their culinary prowess. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide array of traditional, unique, basic, and gourmet tacos, all vying for the coveted title of Food Fight champion. With each bite, visitors will be encouraged to cast their vote for their favorite, ultimately crowning the restaurant with the most votes as the winner.

Sizzling Hot Sauce Challenge: Brave the Heat

Adding an extra layer of excitement to this year's festivities, Taco Fest will host a thrilling hot sauce contest. Contestants will be challenged to navigate through 10 rounds of increasingly spicy sauces, with short activities following each round to help them "sit with the heat," as officials have described. This fiery competition is set to take place at 7:15 PM on the Village Commons stage, and registration will be open from 11 AM to 6 PM on the day of the event. Participation is limited to 15 individuals, and contestants must be at least 18 years old.

Vibrant Entertainment and Family-Friendly Fun

Taco Fest is not just about the food; it's a celebration of community and culture. This year's event will feature a diverse lineup of live music, with performances by Mariachi de Joliet and Y2K. For the younger attendees, a variety of kid-friendly activities will be available throughout the day, including bounce houses, face painting, and crafts.The beloved chihuahua beauty pageant will make a return, and other exciting games and contests will add to the festive atmosphere. Attendees can look forward to a tortilla throwing competition at 5:30 PM, followed by the hot sauce eating contest at 7:15 PM.

Giving Back to the Community

Admission to Taco Fest is free, but organizers encourage attendees to make donations to the New Lenox Township Food Pantry. The pantry is currently in need of canned meats, vegetables, and fruits, and a full list of desired items can be found on the event's website.Each food vendor participating in the event will offer a featured taco, and visitors are encouraged to sample as many as possible before casting their vote for the best one.

Navigating the Festivities

Attendees can enjoy a variety of beverages at Taco Fest, including beer, hard seltzer, and specialty margaritas from The Dock on Front Street. Non-alcoholic options will also be available from the food vendors.Parking for the event is limited, but organizers have made arrangements to accommodate visitors. A portion of Veterans Parkway will be closed, and additional parking will be available at the Village Hall, Trinity Services, Old Plank Trail Community Bank (after 1 PM), and the New Lenox Public Library (after 4 PM). Accessible parking spaces will be located behind the New Lenox Public Library.Attendees are reminded that smoking is not permitted on the Village Commons lawn, and pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals and contestants in the chihuahua beauty pageant. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and a large tent with picnic table seating will be set up next to the New Lenox Police Department.