News Summary
Knoxville will celebrate St. Cugino’s Day, an Italian-inspired vegetarian food festival, on August 10 at The Mill & Mine. Featuring 11 food vendors, the event showcases local produce while supporting nonprofits like CAC Beardsley Community Farm and Pilot Light. Attendees can enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes, drinks, and live entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere aimed at fostering community spirit.
Knoxville to Host St. Cugino’s Day: An Italian-Inspired Vegetarian Food Festival
Knoxville is gearing up for St. Cugino’s Day, an Italian-inspired, all-vegetarian food festival, set to take place on Sunday, August 10, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Mill & Mine, located at 227 W. Depot Ave. The event promises a vibrant celebration of East Tennessee’s freshest produce while raising funds for important local nonprofits, including CAC Beardsley Community Farm and Pilot Light.
Event Highlights and Features
Hosted by Kory Robinson and Andrew Sayne, the founders of Cugino Fratello, St. Cugino’s Day will feature a total of 11 food vendors. Each vendor has been assigned a specific fruit or vegetable to create exclusive dishes, showcasing the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. Attendees can expect an array of culinary delights that emphasize vegetarian options, promoting an innovative use of local crops.
Tickets are priced at $85, which includes access to the diverse food offerings and three drink tickets. Beverage options will include wines from Zero/Zero, specialty Italian cocktails, and an espresso cart provided by Adrift Coffee Co. The ambiance will be enhanced by summer-themed decorations curated by Husmus Studio.
Entertainment and Community Engagement
The festival will feature live entertainment with a performance by DJ Dozibrion, as well as appearances from the Cattywampus Puppet Council’s marching band, Knoxville Honkers & Bangers. This mix of food, music, and lively decor aims to foster a sense of togetherness and celebration within the local community.
Supporting Local Nonprofits
A key aspect of St. Cugino’s Day is its dedication to supporting local nonprofits. CAC Beardsley Community Farm, known for its efforts in promoting vegetarian-forward food, has been facing challenges due to funding cuts. Meanwhile, Pilot Light plays a crucial role in supporting music and arts programs throughout Knoxville. The festival will help to raise awareness and funds for their important missions, ensuring that they can continue to contribute positively to the community.
A Unique Culinary Experience
This festival draws inspiration from a St. Joseph’s Day festival in Philadelphia, intending to create a similar spirit of celebration and collaboration within Knoxville’s food scene. Cugino Fratello is well-known for organizing Italian food pop-ups at various locations, and this food festival represents their ambition to engage the community through spontaneous collaboration and innovative culinary experiences.
Conclusion
St. Cugino’s Day promises to be a unique and enjoyable event that highlights the rich agricultural landscape of East Tennessee while fostering community spirit through food and entertainment. With its focus on local produce, vegetarian cuisine, and essential nonprofit support, attendees can look forward to a memorable afternoon in Knoxville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville’s 8th Annual Knoshville Jewish Food Festival Returns
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Food Festivals Fundraisers in August
- Inside of Knoxville: International Biscuit Festival 2016
- Knox News: Big Ears Festival Guide
- Knox News: Irish Fest at Immaculate Conception Church
- Google Search: Knoxville Food Festivals
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
