Next weekend take a trip to the 23rd annual Indio International Tamale Festival on December 6-7, 2014. Right off of Highway 111,
in Old Town Indio, this festival is a favorite for many. Food Network-TV has ranked
it in the top 10 "All-American Food Festivals" in the nation. No
matter your taste in entertainment, this festival is sure to please. And best
of all it is free to the public!
Wind through the streets of Miles, Towne, Smurr and Requa to
see the entire splendor. The festival begins with the Parade at 10 am on
Saturday, featuring boxing champ Randy Caballero as Grand Marshall, riding with
Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos and also see Santa on an antique fire truck at the end. Also view some of
the show cars that will be featured during the 2nd annual Car Show
that accompanies the festival. Take a trip down Requa st to view and judge for
yourself in seven different categories. Sunday afternoon, trophies will be
awarded to the winners.
If you have a bottomless stomach, sign up for the annual tamale
eating contest. The reigning champ since 2009, Charles G. Bill, Jr, is looking
for challengers. You can sign up for that at any one of the stages that will
have entertainment. Live music, dancing, singing, juggling, and other diverse performances
will be held on one of the five stages available. Stay and watch the Best
Tamale Contest where last year’s champion, Texifornia Tamale Co., will again be
vying for the title. A carnival will be open until 10pm each night too,
providing rides and games to play. Original art work, including painting,
photography, sculpture, and textiles from at least 25 artists will be on
display and for sale. Guests can enjoy
wine tasting in the wine lounge, and beer from Coachella Valley Brewery will
also be available in an adjoining beer garden.
For more information, visit the Indio International Tamale Festival
website. Pictures courtesy of www.tamalefestival.net
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