15th Annual WOCC Best Fest to feature more than 60 food vendors

OCOEE  With more than 1,000 attendees and dozens of vendors serving up their fares each year, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Best Fest is one of the area’s largest food-tasting expos.

And this year, the annual event is celebrating a milestone of 15 years showcasing the food, beverages, businesses and more that are ingrained in the West Orange community. 

Also known as The Taste of West Orange, Best Fest is again being held at Starke Lake in Ocoee. Be sure to come hungry — more than 60 vendors will bring their favorite dishes and drinks to sample and share with guests.

“We’ve always built it as more of a fun, street-party atmosphere, and we’ve tried to capitalize on it being on the lake,” said Carrie Wilson, director of events for the WOCC. “It’s a beautiful setting and a lot of fun since it’s outside. This is the only one of its kind locally we can find that you pay one admission price at the door and that’s it.”

The ticket price of $40 in advance or $50 at the door allows guests unlimited access to all vendors in attendance, and there are no extra costs for samplings once admitted.

Another pinnacle of the event is the awards that guests get to decide on themselves. All attendees get to vote on their favorite vendors in five categories: best food, best beverage, best booth, best dessert and best healthy food, the last of which is a new category this year to tie in with the Healthy West Orange initiative.

“We’re excited to see the different vendors come and exhibit there. It’s great to be back over in Ocoee and it’s always exciting to see what the vendors are bringing and serving,” Wilson said. “It’s pretty much a surprise when we walk in. We’re looking forward to what they’re bringing and showing the community and chamber members what they’re doing.”

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].