The “Little City” of Falls Church came more alive than ever on Saturday Sept. 13, as the 49th annual Falls Church Festival, also known to many as the “Taste of Falls Church,” kicked off. The streets and parking lots around City Hall were filled with food, music, and crowds of families and visitors from the area.
More than 90 vendors and 15 restaurants offered small-plate samples of dishes in exchange for “Taste Tickets,” purchased at the front of the festival, while two stages hosted live bands and children’s entertainment throughout the day. The day came with sunshine and mild temperatures, helping draw one of the festival’s largest turnouts in recent years.
“This year has been huge; definitely a big year for us,” said Corey Payne, Special Events Program Supervisor for the city’s Recreation and Parks Department. “We had 15 restaurants, two breweries, great music and even greater weather. It really brings the community together and shows off all our local businesses.”
Payne managed many of the behind-the-scenes logistics, such as coordinating judges and ensuring the festival’s annual competitions went on as planned.
“We have judges that go around and sample from each of the restaurants for best menu and best taste, as well as the public votes for People’s Choice,” Payne said.
The festival also served as a platform for community groups such as the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF).
“The event helps promote our upcoming 5K and one-mile fun run, which raise money for teacher training, classroom grants and a Family Assistance Fund that supports families facing food insecurity,” said Kari Forsee, Communications Coordinator at the FCEF.
Forsee noted that the festival connects Falls Church with the wider region.
“I just met a family from Reston and people from Arlington,” Forsee said. “They get to come get an actual taste of the city, and discover the wonderful restaurants that have opened recently.”
Vendors saw direct benefits as well, treating the festival as both a sales opportunity and a chance to introduce their brands to hundreds of potential local customers.
“It’s great—this is actually our second year here,” said Ian McGowen, owner of Pet Wants Falls Church. “There’s a lot of foot traffic and a lot of friendly people; it’s definitely the busiest and most beneficial event we do.”
McGowen said the day kept him too busy to leave his booth. “I’ve just pretty much been here, restocking and selling to people,” McGowen said. “But it’s a great way to spread the word about our company and support small businesses.”
The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce used the festival to promote the city’s entrepreneurial side.
“We celebrate all that is Falls Church,” said Elise Bengtson, the chamber’s executive director. “We like being called the Little City. I love meeting people who want to open businesses here–it’s amazing because we have so many small businesses and a demographic who supports them.”
The event even draws many vendors from outside city limits.
“Businesses rotate through different festivals every weekend,” she said. “They come here and get to see what we’re all about.”
Even first-time visitors were impressed about the assortment that was offered at the local festival.
“Its just a great time to spend a Saturday, said Matthew Brown, and attendee who traveled from out of town. “The food’s been my favorite part for sure.”
With the festival nearing its 50th anniversary next year, organizers are already looking ahead, sketching big plans for next year. The coming year is expected to spotlight the community’s growth from the past 5 decades, new restaurant openings and perhaps enhancements to entertainment.
“We like being called the Little City,” said Bengtson. “It’s amazing to meet people who want to open businesses in our small, but supportive community.”
