Sunday crunch: First Taco Fest showcases variations on Mexican classic

Jacki Davis, right, of Texarkana, and friend Mark, of Shreveport, enjoy a conversation during Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. The festival, the brainchild of Redbone founder Roger Sheppard, was held to showcase local businesses — in this case, taco vendors. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
Jacki Davis, right, of Texarkana, and friend Mark, of Shreveport, enjoy a conversation during Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. The festival, the brainchild of Redbone founder Roger Sheppard, was held to showcase local businesses — in this case, taco vendors. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)


TEXARKANA, Texas -- Local spins on a south-of-the-border staple were plated for eager tasters at the first Taco Fest on Sunday afternoon at Redbone Magic Brewing.

Debbie Sheppard, who owns Redbone with husband Roger, said the music and food festival had a single theme: Make Texarkana fun again.

"This is my retirement home," said Sheppard, a retired high school coach, as she waved toward Redbone. "I want everyone to be happy."

Sheppard credits her husband with envisioning the festival. The plan initially was to hold the event in February, but the schedule changed because of the weather.

"The good Lord gave me the best day ever," she said about Sunday, bringing a hearty word of agreement from a nearby Redbone employee.

A handful of restaurants signed on for the event -- La Fogata, JR's Catering Co., Virgin Foods and Juanito's.

For a fee of $15 -- which covered costs for the band Trophy Husband -- guests could try two tacos from any vendor, get two beers and receive a Redbone souvenir cup.

The vendors also were in for a treat -- a $100 gift certificate to Redbone.

Sheppard hopes to make Taco Fest a recurring event.

"We're trying to support local businesses. We're all about local," she said.

  photo  Guests sit in the entertainment area during Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. Trophy Husband provided live music. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
 
 
  photo  Thor, left, Max, center, and Bailey take in the sights during the first Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
 
 
  photo  Trophy Husband performs for the audience during Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
 
 
  photo  Debbie and Roger Sheppard pose for a photo during Taco Fest at Redbone Magic Brewing on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, in Texarkana, Texas. The Sheppards own Redbone, which was the nickname of Debbie's father. Roger envisioned the festival as a way to showcase local businesses. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
 
 
  photo  Marcia Colbey, from left, Sherry Ford and Sandy Martin sing and dance to Trophy Husband's cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" during Taco Fest on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2023, at Redbone Magic Brewing in Texarkana, Texas. Lisa Durden, right, smiles as she watches the trio's informal performance. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
 
 



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