The Foodees Food and Culture Festival is coming to Augusta, one of several events the city has to offer this weekend.
Foodees is an organization that has been coordinating multi-cultural fairs that celebrate various cuisines and artistry from around the world, by way of southern eateries representing various cultures here and abroad.
Starting Friday, Nov. 3, more than 50 food trucks and 100 craft vendors will be camped throughout Reynolds, Fifth and Marina streets and Freedom Bridge.
“When you come to a Foodees Food and Culture Festival, there are two things that will stand out: the first thing is the variety of food,” said Ron Kennedy, co-founder and co-owner of Foodees with his partner, Tricia Croft. “We bring with us a large variety of food trucks from various food backgrounds. Folks will be able to find and eat just about anything they want.”
Foodees’ first foray into organizing its festivals in the CSRA was earlier this year, the first weekend after Masters Week, when it held its South Carolina Food and Culture Festival in downtown Aiken.
Several South Carolina food sellers will offer their cookery downtown, such as SeaSoul Melody of Myrtle Beach, Gullah Express from Beaufort, Angelo’s Red Tacos from Greenwood, Mahjal’s of Columbia offering Filipino fare and That Won Truck, based in Rock Hill, preparing Southern-influenced Asian dishes.
“The next thing that stands out is the artisans that we bring,” Kennedy said. “Along with enjoying the company of new people and amazing food, folks will be able to shop around with local artisans who put their souls into their work. You will find some of the coolest handmade items that you can imagine.”
The Georgia Foodees Food and Culture Festival will go from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 5.
The Handmade Fair is another downtown Augusta event where shoppers can choose from a host of craft pieces by local artisans. Redemption Church will host its 15th semi-annual Broad Street bazaar Friday through Saturday, raising funds for Sojourn Uganda, a ministry based in the East African nation.
Local artisans such as Revisionists Studio, selling functional ceramics, the Indigo Tribe, offering handbags and other accessories, Bubba’s Fudge and Nuts, with homemade fudge; and The Hungry Fox, selling original screenprints, will set up shop at 930 Broad St. The fair will go from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
