Up to 20,000 people are expected to show up for this year’s Compass Food and Music Festival at Greater Taichung’s Art Museum Parkway, just south of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.
The popular weekend celebration has been organized for the past 11 years by Compass Magazine, Greater Taichung’s bilingual monthly city guide. In addition to showcasing the varied dining and live music the city has to offer, this year’s festival will also include a Greater Taichung Promotional Fair — about 25 booths sponsored by Greater Taichung — highlighting city attractions.
“We are proud that Compass Magazine has grown up alongside Greater Taichung and today continues to help a broad variety of residents and visitors discover the rich attractions of this dynamic international city,” said Compass co-publisher Douglas Habecker.
Photo Courtesy of Basil Hall Photography
Organizers expect 60 to 70 vendors to take part in the event. Festival goers who want to sample Greater Taichung’s broad spectrum of international dining options will find booths offering everything from Turkish ice cream and Spanish tapas to Indian samosas, Canadian poutine and traditional Taiwanese treats. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, from cocktails and English ciders to Taiwanese tea drinks, will also be on offer. Other vendors will be selling a wide range of original artwork and handicrafts, and a number of non-profits will also be present.
The event is a good way for local Greater Taichung residents to get a taste of what restaurants in the city have to offer, but it’s also a great way for local restaurants to gain some very welcome exposure.
Nick Alvarez, formerly Executive Chef at Hotel One in Greater Taichung, and now co-owner — along with partners Ben Tacheny and Kyle McCarty — of the newly-opened Uptowner Greater Taichung, is very pleased that the Uptowner will run a booth at the event featuring an assortment of cocktails and American-style diner food.
“We’re happy to be a part of Food Fest for the first time,” said Alvarez. “It’s a great chance to introduce ourselves to Greater Taichung.”
Shaun Armstrong, front man for popular local band The Ever So Friendlies, always enjoys playing the event.
“It’s amazing to perform in front of such a huge variety of people,” he told the Taipei Times.
“It doesn’t get much better, and I can’t wait to do it all again this year,” he added.
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