The Taste of Southeast Kansas Food Festival will make its debut in Iola on Saturday, May 2, offering residents a chance to sample local dishes and meet the people behind them.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the first block of Jefferson Avenue on the Iola square, the site of the Iola Farmers Market. Organized by the Allen County GROW Food and Farm Council, the festival brings together food vendors, cottage industry producers and community organizations for a day focused on local food.
The idea for the festival has been years in the making.
“It was a long process,” said Marilyn Logan of the GROW Council. “We knew we wanted to do something within the community involving food, and we looked at a lot of grants. We actually started the process in late 2023, early 2024, by writing the grant. Then it was tabled and delayed.”
That effort finally resulted in a federal Business Builder grant through the Heartland Regional Business Center, which awarded the group just over $41,000. The funding was used to purchase equipment such as canopies and tables, items that will also be used for future food festivals and farmers market activities for years to come.
Logan says one of the event’s primary goals is to better connect and support local food producers.
“The main goal is to identify local food vendors,” she said. “We have no database within Allen County that we can go to and seek out food vendors or cottage industries. This event will help them move their food industry to the next step.”
THE FESTIVAL will include a range of vendors, from food trucks, bakers, farmers and possibly craftsmen, to businesses operating under cottage industry guidelines.
Those “cottage industries” — home-based food businesses operating under specific regulations — will be a key part of the festival.
From jams and baked goods to specialty dishes, the event offers them a chance to grow their reach.
“The festival is an effort to help build their customer base and get the word out,” added Debbie Bearden, also of the GROW Council.
Food offerings will range from ribs to empañadas and fresh produce.
A bake sale and informational booths from community organizations are also planned, along with activities for children. Logan encourages additional community groups to participate to share information with the public.
Vendors will be able to sell their products throughout the event, while also taking part in a tasting contest.
“We actually have a two-pronged tasting contest,” Logan said. “One part will be done by celebrity judges, and the other will be judged by people who come to the food festival.”
Those participating in the tasting contest will showcase their signature dish. “Whatever they are known for — it doesn’t matter whether it is barbecue or doughnuts,” said Logan.
