‘It’s amazing to be here’: Bend’s inaugural C.O. Taco Fest welcomes the community to experience Latin culture

(Update: Adding video, comments from the founder)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At Bend's Old Mill District, it was all about tacos and Latin culture on Saturday. The inaugural Central Oregon Taco Fest offered many food and other vendors, lively music and family-friendly fun.

There were plenty of food choices, such as El Sancho, Sopa and Hola, for people to embrace and share a day of Latin culture.

While perusing different booths and munching down on tacos, Latin music provided by Tequila Highway filled your ears.

   There was even a dog-only competition: the Chihuahua races. While dogs competed, five local breweries went head to head in the "Best Mexican Beer" competition. 

"It's amazing to be here," said Marcos Rodriguez, Taco Fest's founder. "It's amazing. I've been here a long time. I created this, and everybody is welcoming -- diversity, having fun. You know, what better show of diversity than music and food."

The event will be donating money to two organizations -- Vamanos Outside and Street Dog Heroes.