TEXARKANA, Ark. - More than a dozen vendors served a steady stream of customers on a cool fall day Saturday. Scented steam, fragrant smoke and other scents wafted across the thoroughfare as customers and browsers took in the sights and made their choices, walking around the spaces at Front Street Plaza downtown.
Keeli "Chef K" Layne represented Pho Yo Kitch-Inn, providing their particular spice. Chef K, who was in charge of proceedings there, said Pho Yo rolled out their food truck this summer, doing special events all over the area. She loves the kind of work she does with the Kitch-Inn.
"When I first worked with Pho Yo, last January, it was Saturday nights and Sundays, putting together chef's specials and working on special food assistance, with special dietary needs. I loved the work so much, I came on later as their Asian fusion head chef."
Pho Yo Kitch-Inn has more events yet in the year.
"One coming is our Holistic Health Workshop, Nov. 14 at Camp Karlton Kemp," she said.
Jam Confections represented part of the dessert contingent, with her signature sweets to delight all. Dejeune Kinchen, a veteran of the Downtown Fall Food Fest and owner of Jam Confections, said this year was a little different.
"COVID has affected my trade, as previously much of my work was catering events," she said. "Obviously, that has taken a hit this year. We are slowly coming out of it, but in the meantime, much of my work has been supplying sweets to those inside. Rather than sweets to crowds, it is one-on-one service via my website, jamconfection.com. People come pick up their order, or I send it out through a delivery service."
Despite the challenges, Kinchen loves the Food Fest and always loves to attend.
"The Food Fest is always good for us," she said. "So we make sure to come out each year. We are close to selling out what we brought, as we always do."
This is the festival's fifth year.