Mexican, Greek and Indian food are just some of the diverse items visitors will find on the upcoming Feast Street Niagara menu.

"We have 32 different food vendors … all different kinds of food. No one food will be replicated, with the exception of fries, there's always a lot of fries," said Amanda MacDonald, Welland Downtown BIA executive director.

She said Feast Street Niagara — put on by the Downtown BIA and sponsored by PenFinancial Credit Union — is in its second year and will cover Welland's East Main Street from Hellems Avenue to King Street and the entirety of Cross Street on September 22 and 23.

"We'll have the main stage on East Main Street that overlooks the (Main Street) bridge and a stage on Cross Street with various bands."

MacDonald said the event, which replaced the Niagara Food Festival, works to keep things affordable for attendees.

"Vendors have $3 tasters … that way you can get different samples of their main delicacies to try. If you like what they have you can purchase full-size items, and if not, you can move on to the next one."

Food vendors come from across Niagara and from as far away as Ottawa to take part.

"Between 60 and 70 per cent of the vendors are from Niagara."

MacDonald said Feast Street looks to bring back area food vendors first out of loyalty and then goes through its files to see others that have asked to come or what unique and different items some may have to offer.

"We'll look for something new to Welland and Niagara and make sure there is a wide variety. We do vet for price range as well so there's nothing too absurd."

Vegan options are new this year as are Texas Tornado and Rebozos food trucks, and Moksha Indian Bistro.

"Rebozos has really great Mexican food and Texas Tornado serves potatoes in the style of blooming onions. We have Greek food on the menu this year, too."

MacDonald said downtown restaurants are participating this year, too. To date, Matteos, Thailandia, Vegan Hippie Chick and Patti's Place are all taking part.

"They'll be extending patios right up to the street."

New this year, too, is the Cross Street stage, which will feature an area with inflatables for children to play on.

MacDonald said a bike valet was added to this year's event as well thanks to the city's active transportation committee

The inaugural two-day event attracted an estimated 15,000 people to downtown Welland and the BIA hopes to see more visitors.

"Last year it was planned six weeks out, this time we've had a whole year. We're hoping to see at least 20,000 people."

MacDonald said Feast Street helps promote and market Welland's downtown core but that it's "truly a community event."

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Feast Street Niagara runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib