Table Set For Debut Of New Lenox's Food Fight: Taco Fest

NEW LENOX, IL — The lineup is set and contestants are ready to dish out their best in the battle to be named fans' favorite at Food Fight: Taco Fest in New Lenox Saturday.

Nine will vie for the championship belt July 15. The event is free, with competitors selling their featured tacos for $5 each. Attendees will be encouraged to try as many tacos as possible and then vote for their favorite, with one to be sent home the winner.

Contestants include:

• Bourbons Smokehouse
• Drew's Dogs
• La Flor De Morelos
• Los Razos Mexican Grill
• Pico De Gallo
• Ranch Frostie
• Smokin' Z BBQ
• Spin Taco
• Tacos Maui

Restaurants are also allowed to have other menu items available for sale, and many will have sides, beverages, and additional tacos.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m., and includes live music, kid-friendly fun, a hot pepper eating contest, and a chihuahua beauty pageant.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 11 a.m.: Live DJ
• 2 p.m.: Selena tribute performance
• 2:30 p.m.: Live performance by Within 4 Days
• 3:45 p.m.: Chihuahua beauty pageant
• 5:30 p.m.: Hot pepper eating contest
• 6 p.m.: Live performance by Sundance
• 9 p.m.: Crowning of the winner

Kid-friendly activities will also be available all day, including bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and more.

Admission is free. Donations to the New Lenox Township Food Pantry are encouraged. Most-needed items currently include toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and diapers and wipes. If you prefer to donate food items, suggestions include condiments, salad dressings, stuffing, boxed rice blends, dried potatoes, and cereals.

Beer and hard seltzer will be available for purchase. The Dock at Inwood will be on-site offering specialty margarita sales. Water and non-alcoholic beverages will be available from food vendors. Alcoholic beverages may not be carried into this event.

PARKING

Parking is available in the south lot of the Village Hall, at Old Plank Trail Community Bank, and at Trinity Services. Parking is not available at the New Lenox Public Library until after 6 p.m. Specially designated accessible parking spaces for this event will be located behind the New Lenox Public Library.

No pets are allowed—with the exception of service animals and contestants in the chihuahua beauty pageant. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; a large tent will be set up next to the New Lenox Police Department with picnic table seating available.