How To Compete in WoodsTACO

Our conversation today with Katie Mercer, Director of Marketing & Events for the Town of Woodstock gave all the details for competing in their upcoming WoodsTACO Street Taco Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 11am - 4pm in downtown Woodstock. Katie explained how the competition works - there are professional and amateur competitions - that feature five different categories: Authentic/ Traditional, Tex-Mex/Non-Traditional, Dessert, Vegetarian, and Showmanship. Guest judges will blind taste test and score the tacos to determine a $500 winner and a $250 runner up in each of the four categories.  (Showmanship is not determined by the guest judges.) Taco tasting ticket holders will vote for their favorite taco in each category for an overall $250 people's choice winner and an overall $100 showmanship winner.  You must purchase your ticket in advance (click here to do that) to taste and cast your vote for your favorite tacos. There are only 300 tasting tickets available for the event. Tasting ticket holders will receive a wristband at the event and will be the only individuals allowed to sample and vote.  In addition to the prize money, all competitors will evenly split the money raised from tasting ticket sales. There is a $30 fee to register, however if you show up at the event & compete, that fee will be refunded. The deadline to register for the competition is Friday, September 15, 2023. Access the application and learn more about WoodsTACO Street Taco Festival on their website: https://www.townofwoodstockva.gov/woodstaco