Location: Columbus Taco Fest, Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

Sidebar: Not too long ago I attended the COSI Fest. The COSI garage cost $5 during the time of the COSI Fest. I planned to park in the COSI garage until I saw the $20 event parking sign. It actually cost $10 for the paved lot across the street from the garage, but a golf cart was blocking the sign when I drove past. I parked in a grass lot for $10. The grass was about 6 inches tall. I am thankful that I wore hiking boots…. In my opinion the paved, lot across from the COSI garage is the best value to avoid itchy ankles if you wear shorts.

Sami

Why did you come to the Columbus Taco Fest?

I got hand picked by my group to come to the Taco Festival.

Because?

It is an amazing event to come to and get a lot of Tacos.

Which truck did you try and was it any good?

We tried The Best Tacos in the city.  They are good!

Is there more to do than just eat at the Columbus Taco Fest?

It’s an event where people can come and try Latin culture and food. Some people aren’t even Latino, they just appreciate the fact that it is tacos.

Is it expensive?

It is better to come with a group.

Valentina

Why did you come to the Columbus Taco Fest?

I usually just come for the tacos. I like the vibe of everyone coming together around food. It is a chill space and to hang out.

What about the music is good?

It is really good music.

Why did you come to the Columbus Taco Fest?

It shows how Columbus is expanding its diversity and outreach to different communities. When you think about tacos, you think something Latino or Hispanic, but we have a salsa band here which is Al Son Del Iya. They are local. They usually perform the first Friday of every month at Brothers Drake Meadery, 26 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201. They are here supporting the community and giving people exposure and awareness of Latin American culture.

I played in a salsa band for 6 years. I am bilingual, but I am from the African American community. Their roots are African as well. We have things in common. We can come together instead of looking at differences.

Sidebar: I was impressed with the talent level of a young man dancing. I was more impressed when he encouraged two younger boys who watched him dance. Then, they started dancing. Watching the interaction was priceless.

Sidebar:I listened to the entire set. This group was AMAZING! Many times, a group has one or maybe two talented musicians but, in this group, EVERYONE was on point. Is it obvious what my favorite part of this festival was?

Tell me about the group.

I been playing music since I was 7.  I migrated to the United States in 1991. To make a long story short, I came to Ohio. This band has been 5 years in the making. We started with some cats that didn’t stay. This guy from Puerto Rico came in and now we have been together about 3 years. This is a family thing. We all get along. There is no drama or fighting. We do what we do best.

What is your background?

In Puerto Rico I was around folk musicians, so I grew up in the folk scene. When I came to Ohio. I got together with other Hispanics like Tino who is from Peru. What we have in common is salsa music. I love salsa. That is what my mom brought me up with. I am really happy to be here, and I am really happy to share salsa with everybody.

Anything else?

Come check us out the first Fridays of every month at Brothers Drake Meadery. We have a steady crowd. People come to dance. Nobody cares how you dance, as long as you come and have some fun.

This is a pet friendly festival.

Sidebar: I walked past the guy holding the sign a few times. I’m not sure if his microphone was working as I didn’t hear him screaming, yelling, talking loud or actually saying anything. I only noticed this on the way out because I had to walk right next to the dude to the crowd.

My take on the Columbus Taco Fest 2019:

Park in the paved lot, at a meter. Plan to chill and enjoy the live music. Get up and dance whether you can dance or not.This festival is a great opportunity to connect with people around music and dancing.