The Tamale Festival will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero.
Organizers say the event continues to grow since its starts in 2016.
There will be over 30 tamale vendors from all across California.
The popular “Tamale Contest” returns this year, where all the vendors can present their “best” tamale creation. There will also be a “People’s Choice Tamale” and a “Judges Favorite Tamale” contest.
Judges will be determining the best tamales in categories of “gourmet”, “traditional” and “sweet”.
There will be a “Tamale Eating Contest” sponsored by Que Pasa Mexican Grill, winners of the contest will receive a trophy and a gift certificate to Kennedy Club Fitness. There will be two categories, one for kids 12 and over on who can eat the most tamales, and one for under 12 years of age to see who can eat two tamales the fastest.
New this year is the Chihuahua Costume Contest and Fashion Show presented by the Woods Humane Society. Winners of the contest will receive pet oriented prizes including a photo session from Jillian Parks Photography.
There will be music, dancing, and many family-friendly activies for the communtyt to enjoy.
The event is free and is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further details on the festival, you can visit the city’s website.
