Wapato’s fifth annual tamale festival will be Saturday, Oct. 10 in downtown Wapato. The annual event, sponsored by the Wapato Chamber of Commerce, features a wide range of activities and events celebrating the community’s multi-cultural diversity.
A highlight of the festival will be the crowning of the 2009 best tamale maker. The first place winner will receive a $200 cash prize and earns the title of 2009 Wapato Tamale champion.
Local residents are encouraged to participate in the tamale cook-off, which begins at noon. The cost is $25 per tamale entry. Entry forms are available at the Cad Lac Copy Center, 209 S. Wapato Ave.
According to Wapato Police Chief Richard Sanchez, who serves on the event committee, the Tamale festival is a fun event for everyone.
“This is our fifth year,” Sanchez said. “It gets bigger and bigger each year. It is really a community event for everyone.”
In addition to the tamale cook-off, there will also be a tamale making demonstration throughout the day, where novices can learn tips and hints for next year’s contest.
A wide range of cultural performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will include authentic African drummers, traditional Filipino dancers, native Indian dancing and Hispanic dance performers.
Car buffs can take part in the open class car show.
There will also be a wine tasting event downtown across from the Liberty Theatre. Sanchez said local high school students will be the main feature at this year’s art show that will also be in downtown Wapato.
Children are invited to come down and participate in the children’s pumpkin decorating contest. The festival will also sponsor a bike show. Local vendors will be selling locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Sanchez said food vendors will offer a wide array of ethnic foods – BBQ brisket, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, Filipino foods, Mexican food and Indian fry bread.
“It’s good food, good weather, good people and it’s a lot of fun,” Sanchez said. “We welcome everyone to come and join us for this great celebration.”
For additional information on the event, contact the Cad Lac Copy Center at 877-4262.