What:
From December 8-9, the finest tamale-makers from around the state will gather in downtown Phoenix to celebrate families and Mexican culture during Food City's annual Tamale Festival.

This culinary food festival and fund-raiser, which is free and open to the public, takes place when many Hispanic families are making their own homemade tamales for the holidays.

Attendees will be able to buy homemade tamales, as well as enjoy a variety of musical entertainment, Latin arts and crafts on display and for sale.

Who:

   
• Tamale-makers, primarily composed of religious groups who prepare their tamales in church commissaries, will sell tamales to support their organizations' programs.

When:

   
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 - 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
   
• Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 - 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Tamale judging at 2 p.m. Sun.)

Where:

   
• Cesar Chavez Plaza, located at First Ave. and Washington St., Phoenix

Cost:

   
• This event is FREE and open to the public.

   Visuals:Attendees will be able to see and experience:    
• Tamale-makers from around the state displaying and selling their homemade tamales
   
• Families of different ethnicities tasting tamales and strolling the cultural marketplace.

   Media Opps:Leading up to and during this event, Food City can offer:      
• Information about the cultural relevance of tamales;
   
• Tamale recipes, including the traditional red and green, plus variations like pumpkin;
   
• A list of the top five mistakes new tamale-makers sometimes make; and
   
• Step-by-step directions (and secrets!) on how to prepare the perfect  tamale.