The Spiciest Food Festival Is Coming To Largo This Weekend
Everyone loves festivals. They’re like humanity’s way of saying, “You know what? Reality needs a break.” There are festivals for just about everything under the sun, and some that even celebrate the sun! The ones that involve music are the most popular, but my favorites have to do with food. This is why I got excited when someone told me that the ‘hottest” festival is coming to Tampa this weekend. Let me introduce you to the I Like It Hot! Festival.
I Like It Hot Festival
If you like spicy dishes, then you’ll love the 24th annual “I Like It Hot!” Festival. It’s where the only thing hotter than the Florida sun is the sauce! This fiery fiesta is not for the faint of tongue (or stomach) though. Here, you’ll find chili heads of all shapes and sizes, bravely lining up to sample sauces with names like “Inferno’s Revenge” or “Dragon’s Breath.” If you’re down, it’s all going down on September 14th and 15th at the Largo Event Center. The best part… IT’S FREE!
There’s the hot pepper eating contest, which is less a competition and more a public spectacle of masochism. Contestants casually pop ghost peppers like they’re candy while onlookers gasp, laugh, and occasionally call for medical assistance. The victor wins glory, eternal bragging rights, and probably a long visit to the nearest ice cream truck.
The festival isn’t all about the burn though, there are milder options as well for those who enjoy keeping their taste buds intact. You can stroll through booths offering everything from tangy BBQ sauces to zesty salsas, and of course, a variety of hot-themed merch.
Let’s not forget the entertainment! Between fire-themed bands and pepper-themed cooking demos, there’s never a dull moment. Just remember to wash your hands after sampling. You really don’t want to learn the hard way what happens when you rub your eyes after touching a pepper.