When you think of food festivals, Pleasant Grove normally is not the first place that comes to mind. Next Saturday, Mayor Mike Rawlins and local city officials look to change that perception in southeast Dallas. The Taste of Pleasant Grove kicks off its first festival in Memorial Park on July 27, 2013.

The fun filled day will include food tasting, a cook off, shopping, a mini car show, an 85-foot boot camp obstacle course, and boxing matches. Children can enjoy inflatable slides, pony rides, clowns and face painting. The highlight of the event will be an evening concert by Havana NRG, a timba-influenced Latin salsa band.

“This is a great opportunity for families and friends to eat, play and shop together, but more importantly, local businesses and budding entrepreneurs can showcase their products,” states Georgia Reese, event coordinator and President of Clarice Community Services.

Taste of Pleasant Grove happens Saturday, July 27, 2013. The free event will be held at the Crawford Memorial Park at 8700 Elam Road, Dallas, TX 75217 from 8 am to 8 pm. Event sponsors include Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Starwalk of Dallas, INKS, Integrality Consulting, Soulgood Vegetarian to Go and Eastfield College Business Club.

Story by Cynthia Nevels, author of Soulful Vegetarian Cooking: A Southern Girl's Meaty Love Affair and Romantic Journey to Natural Foods on Instagram, amateur chef and natural food enthusiast.