Taste of Yuma

Second annual food fest set for Oct. 5

The Arizona Western College Foundation, AWC Alumni Association and Mexican Consulate in Yuma will hold the second Taste of Yuma Foodie Fest on Oct. 5.

Taste of Yuma is a collaborative event celebrating the global diversity of foods found in Yuma County, said Gladys Anaya, coordinator of development and alumni relations for the AWC Foundation.

“Obviously a lot of the food here is Southwestern, but there’s food from all around the world you can find, good food in Yuma County, and that’s what we wanted to highlight,” she said.

Chefs and commercial vendors from throughout the region share their culinary talents with the community. The event will also feature a beer and wine garden.

Anaya said there are 17 vendors signed up so far, and her goal is to hit 30.

Musicians and dance groups reflecting the various cultures of Yuma and Mexico will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

Also, the Yuma Chopped Championship will feature local high school culinary students who will be competing for best appetizer.

The event will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Colorado River State Historic Park, 201 N. 4th Avenue. Admission is $5 and children 14 and younger get in free.

Tickets are available at the AWC Foundation offices on the Yuma campus, or from various AWC alumni who are selling them.

Tasting tickets worth $1 each can be purchased at the entrance. Tastings will range from $1 to $3. Proceeds will benefit scholarships and programs provided by the AWC Alumni Association.

Anaya said about 1,000 people came to the inaugural event last year, with a children’s area where kids could make their own chef hats a particular success. Her goal this year is to raise more than $10,000, the minimum amount needed to start an endowment for a new scholarship.

For more information about the event, contact Anaya at gladys.anaya@ azwestern.edu or (928) 3177620.