Eat, Drink and Be Merry at ‘Taste’ Fest

A record crowd is expected to push the gastronomic envelope by munching cuisine that includes armadillo eggs and ostrich chili at the annual Taste of Ventura County this weekend.

Food and drink from more than 45 restaurants, microbreweries and wineries will be offered to attendees of the three-day festival at Channel Islands Harbor.

“We’ve been growing every year,” said coordinator Susan O’Brien. “Last year we had 15,000 [admissions], and if this weather keeps going, we’ll probably have about 20,000.”

In addition, there will be continuous live entertainment, including the Swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, ice-carving demonstrations and restaurant worker relay races. New this year will be a bingo tent, O’Brien said. There also will be a stein-holding contest, which, O’Brien notes, is tougher than it sounds.

Participants include such microbreweries as Grants Brewing & Saxer, Cambria Winery, the Chart House and the Lobster Trap.

Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 adults, $3 seniors and military personnel, with children under 12 free. Admission will be waived from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and after 5 p.m. Sunday. Seniors will also receive free admission from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Prices for two- to three-ounce portions of signature dishes and beverages will range from $1 to $6.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to local charities, including the Ventura County Maritime Museum, the Gullwings Children’s Museum and the Oxnard High Aquatic Foundation.