What pairs perfectly with a taco? A margarita, of course. After a successful inaugural event last year, the second annual Taco and Margarita Festival returns to Southeast Texas on Saturday, June 22, at Doggett Ford Arena and Exhibit Hall in Beaumont, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tacos have a history of dating back to 18th century when the word “taco” was used in the silver mines in Mexico. At that time, the word “taco” referred to pieces of paper wrapped around clumps of gunpowder (like a very unfriendly and unpalatable taco) that they would stuff into holes in rock formations to help blast them to bits, so say the historians of the Smithsonian. It was a few years later that workers would begin eating a dish that included a wrap filled with meat and hot sauce, called tacos de minero or “miner’s taco.”
It was 1905 when the glorious taco made its first appearance in the United States. After a globalization in the 1950s by entrepreneur Glen Bell, who founded the chain Taco Bell, the taco has now become a “go-to” and “musthave” meal with open interpretations with an array of styles, flavors, and fillings.
This year, the festival will feature more taco trucks as Old West Smoke Company will look to defend its “Taco Championship Belt” after being voted Best Taco by panel of local celebrity judges at last year’s event.
Bring an appetite and taste the selections from Smash Wagon, KO Korean, Taco Rey, Home Plate, El Primo, Big K Kabobs, Be Cool Be Calm Eats, Art of Flavor, Taco Mex Fire, Manny’s Melting Pot, Doggett Ford Park’s own chef Frankie Frazzini, plus sweet treats by La Real Michoacana.
Not only will more tacos be available, but organizers of the festival have promised bolder margaritas – the best friend of the taco. The adult options for the beverage Saturday are traditional, strawberry, watermelon cucumber, mango, jalapeño pineapple and ocean water, all made with Casamigos tequila, which was a tequila brand created in 2013 by actor George Clooney and two close friends.
Sassy Squeeze, Mandolada Michelada Mix and Cayman Jack will also have drink options.
If that wasn’t enough, the stars of Hurricane Pro Wrestling will step inside the square-circle at including matches with El Silencio, Tama Ku, Stevie Hendrix, Jordan Jensen, Blue Collar Krew and Jared Wayne, as well as axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, giant pong, inflatables for the kids, shopping with, local vendors, lowriders and more.
Presale general admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at doggettfordpark.com or the box office (5115 Interstate 10 South) in Beaumont. For those wanting some special treatment, a $40 option allows entry at 11 a.m. (gates open at noon for general admission) along with a commemorative T-shirt and two drink vouchers. The Ultimate VIP ticket package for $75 includes early festival entry, four taco and four drink vouchers as well as a festival T-shirt. Children 5 and under are admitted in free.
Ticket prices will increase by Friday and at the venue, day of show.