Food festival for all tastes

One of Spokane's most iconic food and music events, Pig Out in the Park, began  Wednesday, Sept. 1 and will continue through Monday, Sept. 6.

The event, held annually during Labor Day weekend, takes place downtown in Riverfront Park.

The event describes itself on its website: "Spokane's favorite food and entertainment event. For 31 years, the Labor Day celebration signals the end of summer and the beginning of six days with 55 free concerts, 48 fabulous food booths and three thirst quenching adult beverage gardens. Over 225,000 servings of food, desserts, beverages and treats will satisfy Pig Out fans from across the region."

Founder and organizer Bill Burke explains the background of the event.

"I started Pig Out 31 years ago because we didn't have a musical festival. So now this is our annual musical festival and I wanted it to be free," Burke said.

Pig Out in the Park costs $300,000 to put on. While making money from the vendors, Burke fundraises and pays for the event himself.

"It's my little anonymous gift to everyone in the city," he said.

The six-day food and music festival has traditionally drawn more than 90,000 people to Riverfront Park. Admission is free and all food costs range between $3 and $8.75.

 According to Burke, Pig Out in the Park is one of Spokane's most ethnic and diverse events.

"Every year we have about 50 vendors," Burke said. "This year they come from 14 different states. They sell everything from Asian to Mexican, German, French and American [food]. There are 225 different things to choose from."

Burke explained that Pig Out is a great event for the entire family.

"People like that it is a wholesome family event and that it is safe. People like that there is free entertainment. Pig Out is a great buy and portions are large. It's the cheapest date in the world," he said.

Planning the event takes a lot of time and preparation.

"I work on it every day. I have over 600 regional and local bands that call me every year. Every day I hear from at least one band. I spend $170,000 on all the equipment and talent and staffing," Burke said.

According to Burke about 250 small businesses participate in Pig Out every year.

"I encourage people to come down and have fun," Burke said. "The more food we sell the better entertainment we will have."