On this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael gathered with Kary Haun and Jen Duffner at the cozy Flour & Water café in downtown Woodstock to serve up a flavorful preview of the much-anticipated WoodsTACO 2025 event. The conversation, brimming with local pride and playful banter, offered listeners an inside look at how this annual festival has become a highlight of Shenandoah County's vibrant event calendar.

From the outset, the trio's camaraderie set the tone for a discussion that was as much about community as it was about tacos. Janet and Kary, familiar voices to regular listeners, welcomed Jen, the marketing and events coordinator for the town of Woodstock, to share the latest on WoodsTACO and other happenings around town. The setting itself—Flour & Water—was celebrated for its ever-changing menu, seasonal pastries, and the sense of belonging it brings to locals, with Kary's own son pitching in behind the scenes.

The heart of the episode centered on WoodsTACO, a festival that reimagines the humble taco as a canvas for culinary creativity. Jen explained how the event invites both amateur cooks and professional chefs to compete, with entries ranging from savory to sweet, breakfast to dessert, and everything in between. The festival's inclusive spirit means anyone with a passion for tacos can join, whether they're a home cook with a family recipe or a food truck owner looking to wow the crowd. This year, the judging will be in the hands of the tasters themselves, who, for the price of a ticket, can sample every taco and vote for their favorites in categories like flavor, creativity, and presentation.

But WoodsTACO is more than just a food competition. The event is designed as a family-friendly celebration, complete with live music, kids' activities, and crowd-pleasing contests such as the churro-eating challenge and a new spicy food showdown featuring the local fire department. The hosts reminisced about the hilarity of past contests and looked forward to seeing who would brave the heat this year. With only 400 tickets available, the festival promises an intimate yet lively atmosphere, and the addition of event merchandise like WoodsTACO t-shirts adds to the sense of community spirit.

Beyond WoodsTACO, the conversation touched on the broader tapestry of events that make Shenandoah County a destination for locals and visitors alike. From farm-to-table suppers and pumpkin patches to stargazing nights at Seven Bends State Park, the area's calendar is packed with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and savor the best of small-town life. The hosts encouraged listeners to explore the county's events website, submit their own happenings, and take pride in the region's diversity and hospitality.

In the end, this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" was a testament to the power of food, festivals, and friendly faces to bring a community together. Whether you're a taco enthusiast, a lover of local culture, or simply looking for a fun day out, WoodsTACO 2025 and the many events of Shenandoah County offer a warm invitation to join the celebration.