The third annual Cotati Car Show and Summer Movie in the Park, scheduled for Sept. 21 at La Plaza Park, has been canceled. With three other car shows taking place the same day, the city of Cotati decided to go a different route and host a food festival instead. The event will run from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is called “Grub in the Hub” because Cotati is the center of Sonoma County. As previously planned for the car show, a movie will be shown at 7 p.m. Although organizers would have preferred a food-themed movie, they had already paid the $500 licensing fee for “Herbie: Fully Loaded.”

Recreation Coordinator Kelly Betts (Patterson) said they chose this event model because it has become popular in both Sonoma County and the Bay Area. Food festivals bring people together and create a sense of community. They provide a chance for local talent to showcase, allow food businesses to promote their cuisine and attract new customers, and give visitors a chance to find a new favorite place to eat.

Tips for visiting a food festival

If you’ve never been to a food festival before, here are some helpful tips. With so many vendors, it’s a good idea to look at all the offerings before deciding what to eat. Wear comfortable clothes if you plan on trying a lot of food. Pants with an elastic waistband would be an excellent choice. Betts described the food that will be offered: “There will be desserts, tacos, cinnamon rolls, BBQ, coffee, corn on the cob, anything you can imagine.” The type of food and prices will vary. They hope to offer vegan options as well.

The organizers have contacted a total of 42 vendors and estimate that there will be 20 to 30 vendors. There will be both food trucks and stands.

Future plans and further details

If this festival is successful, it will be held annually. Regarding the car show, Betts said, “Never say never.” He said it was unfortunate that so many other car shows were taking place on the same day. Otherwise, the Cotati Car Show probably would have been a success.

Entry to the event is free. There is no need to purchase food, but with so many delicious dishes on offer, it is unlikely that anyone will pass up trying some of the treats on offer.

Betts said she wasn’t sure if it would work out in time, but she hoped a band could perform.

News of the change from car show to food festival was posted on the City of Cotati’s Facebook page. The message will be shared by local groups, grocers will post the information on their pages and brick-and-mortar stores will have flyers available for their customers.

For more information, contact Kelly Betts at 707-796-7301 or email [email protected].

Marilyn Lane lives in Sonoma County and worked in the newsroom at The Press Democrat for 27 years.

Marilyn Lane lives in Sonoma County and worked in the newsroom at The Press Democrat for 27 years.