Written by Heather Hymas
On Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vernon Worthen Park will once again be filled with the sweet aroma of Southern Utah’s local culinary artists. The Southern Utah Culinary Arts Festival will host an amazing array of local talent. Through the support of the festival’s sponsors the community will have the opportunity to sample many of St. George’s local restaurants. The festival’s slogan is: Food, Fun, and Family in a low cost environment. The festival is a tasting event. Vendor’s will offer samples of their best dishes for either one or two dollars. There will also be an array of local musicians sharing their talents for the crowd’s entertainment, a kid zone complete with several different bounce houses, eating contests, gift certificate and prize giveaways, a retail section for those who wish to shop or purchase items, and much much more. The event is free to the public.
The event is open to local small business owners only. There will not be any corporate or big chains restaurants on site. The purpose of the event is to showcase local business and to promote the local ‘food scene.’ Festival creator, director, and promoter Adam Stuart has a vision and a mission to adjust where our money is spent in Southern Utah.
Stuart said, “I would like to see all of the revenue going back into local small business owners rather than big corporations.When we give back to the community, the people we love and care about, that creates more for everyone.”
Stuart is a long time supporter of local business. ”I was raised on a small family business and I have always had a bleeding heart for what these people do. They work really hard, sometimes 50-60 hours a week, working tirelessly to provide not only a valuable service for the community, but also for their own families,” stated Stuart.
Stuart has always wanted to support local business and came up with the idea of the event. “We need to support the little guy. They have the most courage, take the biggest risks, and have the fewest resources. Most of them already have the deck stacked against them from the get-go. Local first, buy local,” stated Stuart. “Come for an hour, and leave with a new hit-list of local restaurants you want to visit.”
If you have attended the event in the past, you will be in for some new surprises.
“The event just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Stuart.
Every year there is a new element added along with new partners and more food choices. For more information, an event schedule, and a list of the vendors visit their website at www.suculinaryfestival.com
Come out and enjoy a celebration of community, local talent, and culinary delights in the park with family, friends, and all the partners that make this event such a huge success. There is something for everyone at the Southern Utah Culinary Arts Festival. Bring your appetite and come hungry for this two day event featuring food, family, and fun.
