The popular one-day festival celebrating all things tacos and tequila is returning this year with added health and safety measures in place.
The Tacos ’n Tequila Fiesta will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Old Cigar Warehouse in downtown Greenville. As in years past, the festival will feature local bartenders and chefs showcasing their cocktail and culinary skills, with attendees reaping the benefits.
Each ticket includes access to all-you-can-eat tacos and tequila cocktails, entertainment and more. Bartenders and chefs will also be participating in a head-to-head battle for who can make the best signature Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila cocktail, best taco or “sidekick,” meaning a desert or side dish.
Each bartender will be making 11-14 gallons of cocktails total, while chefs will be whipping up approximately 900-1,000 tacos total, in addition to a “sidekick” if they so choose.
COVID-19 precautions
Event organizer Tammy Johnson, CEO of High Spirits Hospitality, said the experience of the past half year has bolstered the company’s confidence in its ability to safely host events of this size.
“We’ve learned a lot about how to host a safe and responsible event in the past few months,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to be able to go through with the festival.”
Extra precautions will be made to reassure guests sense of health and safety.
This year, for example, the entire event will be held outside and will be split into two sessions, one from noon until 3 p.m. and one from 4 to 7 p.m., in order to limit capacity and allow enough space for social distancing.
Guests should expect to wear masks while moving around during the event, such as during check-in, when visiting the taco and tequila booths and when going to the restroom.
“Don’t stress, though; attendees will have an assigned table where you can take your mask off as you eat,” organizers said in a statement.
Groups of attendees will receive their own personal table with disposable trays for food and cocktails. All tables and chairs will be disinfected, as will any high-contact surface like restrooms, railings and doorknobs.
Anyone who reserves a ticket but ends up feeling sick beforehand can simply request a full refund for the ticket within 24 hours of the event.
Tickets cost $55 for general admission, with a $40 “designated driver” option for those not wishing to drink alcohol. All attendees must be 21 or older to enter the event.
