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.