Arts Center funds boosted by 1st Carpinteria Tamale Festival

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center saw its renovation efforts boosted Saturday one bite at a time with the 1st ever Tamale Festival.

It was held in the decorative courtyard at the art center site on 855 Linden Avenue.

Two local restaurants Oaxaca Fresh and Reynaldos provided hundreds of tamales for the hungry supporters. At times they were shuttling them quickly from their nearby restaurants to the booths where lines were steady.

There were several other booths with wine, Island Brewing beer and snacks.

Throughout the day there were sing-a-long songs from the band the Yules and visitors to the event were invited to join in the music.

They also read a wish list to Santa out loud on the bands microphones.

Kids took part in crafts and took pictures in a decorative chair with Santa.

After the Hospice Tree of Life event across the street at dusk, the A capella group from Cate School performed followed by a two-hour live show from the local band Superstoked.

One of the coordinators Gary Dobbins said he has already been contacted by other restaurants that have shown interest in growing the festival in 2019.

Those attending the festival also had a front row seat to the Carpinteria Holiday Spirit Parade.