La Paz Chattanooga will host the first annual Taquiza taco festival Oct. 19 at Miller Park.
The participating restaurants for this year’s Taquiza are: Mexiville, Las Morelianas, El Mesón, Carnitas Carmelita, Taco Stop, Taquería Jalisco, El Gallo Giro, Mr. Burrito Grill, Cheese Dip and Chuy’s Tex Mex.
The event was created to bring the best tacos in Chattanooga to one place for the city to experience and highlight local Latinx businesses.
‘Taquizas’ are traditional Mexican culinary experiences, distinguished for their buffet style eating and social nature.
This year’s sponsors are Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, EPB Fiber Optics, Chattanooga Zoo, Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
UNITED, River City Company and the City of Chattanooga Open Spaces Division.
“Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union is thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Taquiza Fest that will celebrate Chattanooga’s diverse community,” said Tammy Zumbrun, TVFCU’s marketing and community outreach manager.
“TVFCU looks forward to the positive impact Taquiza Fest will have on community enrichment.”
The setup of the event is based on token purchase. One the day of the event, purchase tokens at the TVFCU Token booths located on the south and north corners of the park. Each token is worth $2. Once you purchase your tokens, trade them for tacos from the participating restaurants.
The tacos will be judged in five different categories by local Latinx restaurant representatives: Erwin Ovalle of Ovalle’s One Plate At A Time Catering; Alex Hernandez of Conga Latin Food and Israel de Jesus of Alleia.
Proceeds from this event will benefit La Paz Chattanooga’s community engagement efforts.