I don’t want to take on one more project, so this idea is free to anyone who wants it… Next year, there should be a Totally Awesome Feast in conjunction with Totally Awesome Fest. We should close a street and do it up right. Maybe cook a tofu pig in a pit, or something.
As I see it, it could be anything from a big potluck to a more structured event, with regional chefs and local food entrepreneurs preparing special dishes inspired by the magical, multi-venue fertility rite known as Totally Awesome Fest. The only difficult part, as I see it, would be how to keep it free, like the rest of the almost ten year old, city-wide event. Maybe we could raise money online for the ingredients that can’t be grown in Ypsi, or donated. Or, maybe those with money could pay to attend, thereby subsidizing those that can’t. There are a ton of possibilities. At the very least, I’m thinking that local restaurants could be persuaded to offer discounts for folks during the festival. This would be especially cool if Patrick is able to make the event a full week long next year, like he says he wants to… Or, here’s another idea. Maybe Totally Awesome Feast is a ticketed event prior to Totally Awesome Fest, with all the proceeds going toward covering the travel expenses of bands and performers coming to Ypsi from far away… So many possibilities.
And, I’m not advocating that we actually do this, but here’s the first menu item that came to mind when the Totally Awesome Feast idea popped into my head.
Also, if Patrick is serious about growing this thing next year, and trying to fill an entire week with events, he’s going to need a lot more help. If you have ideas, food-related or not, as to how we do that, please leave a comment, or reach out to Patrick directly.
