Stormy Weather Briefly Halts Tacos and Tequila Festival in Fort Worth
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Tacos and Tequila Festival, a highlight of the culinary calendar, faced a brief evacuation on Saturday due to a passing storm, causing a 30-minute interruption to festivities at Panther Island Pavilion. Thousands of festival-goers had gathered for the fourth annual event, but organizers heeded weather warnings and enacted their safety protocols promptly.
"Safety is our number one priority," noted Joshua James, Senior VP of Social House. As storm clouds loomed, festival gates were opened later than usual to ensure the venue’s safety. Around 5:30 p.m., with storm warnings at play, attendees were asked to evacuate, seeking refuge in their vehicles or under nearby bridges, supported by Fort Worth Police and the city’s emergency team.
Fortunately, the storm subsided quickly, but high winds lingered, raising concerns over the stage’s stability. Festival-goers resumed lining up just after 7 p.m., although access to the stage remained restricted for safety reasons.
Attendees expressed mixed emotions during the wait. Oogande Vassel, who sheltered in the parking lot, remained optimistic, stating, "It wasn’t that bad." Conversely, Roshanda Dorrough noted frustration over the lack of communication regarding the delay, saying the wait to re-enter felt disappointing, especially after paying for the event.
Despite the weather challenges, organizers emphasized the importance of preparedness during Texas’s unpredictable spring climate. "It’s not fun to navigate the weather, but we appreciate everyone’s patience as we prioritize safety," James added.
Approximately 10,000 people attended the festival, showcasing resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
This report is based on interviews conducted by FOX 4’s Amelia Jones.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
