Taste of Oviedo Festival
If you’re looking for a fantastic way to spend an early spring day, then you’ll fall in love with Taste of Oviedo. Held on Saturday, March 12 at the Oviedo Mall, this lively festival has something for everyone. With live music, amusements for the kids and plenty of delectable dishes to sample, you can expect a full day of fun.
Cook-Off
One of the day’s most exciting happenings is the Citrus and Celery Cook-Off. As many as 32 amazing, home-cooked dishes will be up for the top prize in the two divisions: Citrus and Celery. This is your chance to get involved in the festival by helping to select the People’s Choice winner. Just purchase a $5 ticket at the Cook-Off tent. This entitles you to taste every entry in one of the divisions. Donate a few dollars more and you’ll get an official event T-shirt.
The Food
Of course, the main attraction at the Taste of Oviedo is the local restaurants. The best of the best are represented here, and each one is competing for the BEST of TASTE award. Don’t miss your chance to sample award-winning fare that ranges from fresh seafood and juicy burgers to irresistible desserts. Event organizers have expanded the seating areas to accommodate the crowd, so you won’t have to worry about finding a comfortable place to enjoy some fantastic food and live entertainment.
The Entertainment
Speaking of entertainment, you’ll find a full day of musical performances on the Main Stage. Performers include Sweet Bea and the Boys with their energetic dance mixes and the Barley Wine Band playing memorable classic rock favorites. Another festival favorite is the School of Rock, which features local music students playing well-known tunes by The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and many more.
For the Little One’s
If you’re looking for more fun that’s geared toward the little ones, then wander over to the Kids’ Taste area. High-energy performers will be presenting cheerleading, music, dance, acrobatics and more throughout the day. Kids also love the fun activities like rock wall climbing and bungee jumping. With an obstacle course, bumper boats and the Vertical Rush Slide, there’s never a dull moment for kids at this all-inclusive festival.
The History of the Festival
This is the Taste of Oviedo’s 22nd year. It all began back in 1995 as the brainchild of President Glenda Conley and the rest of the Greater Oviedo Chamber of Commerce. Their goal was to create an annual event that would attract locals and visitors while celebrating the community’s unique cultural contributions. The event has grown considerably since the first year when it was hosted at the Lawton House and attracted a crowd of 12,000. Lately, crowds have been closer to 40,000 people, necessitating a move to increasingly larger venues. The location at the Oviedo Mall allows plenty of space for the many vendors and guests to enjoy the festivities.
The Taste of Oviedo runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, March 12, and admission is free. Arrive early so you don’t miss a minute of the fun.
