Food, music festival runs Friday, Saturday

MOSES LAKE - Pigout in McCosh Park organizer Bill Burke received more calls from vendors for the Moses Lake event this year than ever before.

"You always wonder if an event is growing and if people are becoming familiar," he said. "So yeah, I think the market is becoming familiar with it and looking forward to it."

The third annual public food and music festival runs Friday and Saturday in McCosh Park from noon to 10 p.m.

Booker T. Jones and California Dreamin', a tribute to California music, are the headliner events Friday and Saturday, respectively, at 8 p.m.

"Booker T. is incredible, he's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Burke said. "He has written so many songs and produced so many albums, it's a real treat to see Booker T."

California Dreamin' is a stage show complete with costumes and antics, Burke said, including music from the Mamas and the Papas, Buffalo Springfield and the Byrds.

"Great family entertainment," Burke said. "Very humorous, with some good musicianship and songs people know the words to, enjoy and have fun singing with."

Other bands include Avocet, Big Mumbo Blues Band, the Fabulous Tunalics, Yellow Dog and Cool Stack throughout the weekend.

There will be 15 vendors with food prices reaching no higher than $8, Burke said.

"We have everything from desserts and stuff like that to gyro sandwiches, barbecued chicken and ribs, burgers and fries - everything you hope to see at a food event like this."

Burke said the event has trimmed its number of days this year.

"It reflects the Moses Lake market place," he said. "And times. We do really great dinner business. So we wanted to concentrate on the dinner hour, when it's cooler and people feel comfortable coming down to the park. And make sure we have a good, broad menu of desserts, entrees and things like that."

The event is free to attend.

Burke said the event grows each year by 10 to 15 percent, and he expects that to continue as more people become familiar with the concept.

"Rather than leaving your money as admission at the door, you're able to buy food, treats and have a good time with the kids and the family and see a free show," he said.

For more information, call 509-766-9240 or access the event Web site at www.pigoutinmccoshpark.com.