Chihuahuas Strut Stuff, Win Hearts At New Lenox Food Fight: Photos

NEW LENOX, IL — The tacos might have brought the crowds out to the New Lenox Commons July 15, but it was the Chihuahuas that won their hearts.

Forty furry contestants strutted the red carpet at New Lenox's debut Food Fight: Taco Fest, with thousands watching as the petite sets of paws pranced for the judges.

With tacos in hand, attendees enjoyed the show, cooing as the pups showed off tutus, overalls, Hawaiian shirts—one even rolled in riding in a trailer pulled by a toy Jeep.

It was a packed crowd for the debut event, which featured 10 restaurants vying for fans' votes for top taco. Bourbons Smokehouse, Drew's Dogs, Fast Eddie's Tacos, La Flor De Morelos, Pico De Gallo, Ranch Frostie, Smokin' Z BBQ, Spin Taco, Tacos Before Vatos and Tacos Maui faced off in the taste test. It was Spin Taco, 1005 W. Laraway Rd., that went home with the championship belt for their steak taco, described as the Spin Special: steak with house sauce topped with guacamole and fresco cheese.

On the pageant stage, 3-year-old rescue dog Spike took home second prize. Spike shimmered in a fluffy gown, layered in shades of pink and purple. Spike's owner Isabella Olson got her from Tinley Park PAWS, she said.

It was 12-year-old Peanut in a sombrero, ridin' in a bedecked trailer pulled by a Jeep, who took home the crown. Peanut is owned by Brooke Bisgrove, 15, of New Lenox. The pair has been together since Bisgrove was just 2 years old.

The day was a hit, said Mayor Tim Baldermann, with attendance estimated at 2-3,000 throughout the 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. event.

"Great weather and a great turnout!" Baldermann said.

New Lenox officials thanked the crowd and participating restaurants.

"Ok New Lenox .... you love tacos. Like, you REALLY love tacos. Lesson learned!" officials shared on social media. "A huge thank you to everyone who turned out for our inaugural Food Fight event, and more thanks to all of our participating restaurants who worked incredibly hard all day long making food for a completely overwhelming turnout! We were expecting a good crowd, but you blew us away!"