By Sarita Muneton, Online Editor
Rock the Block has been entertaining the citizens of Winston-Salem and beyond for the past 11 years.
Recently, however, it was decided that downtown will be heating things up with the new Texas Pete Culinary Arts Festival, which will replace Rock the Block.
Texas Pete, made by the TW Garner Food Company, has been a part of the community since 1942 and has sponsored other events. Now that the company has been given the reins to what used to be Rock the Block, a few minor changes with the festival are sure to spice things up.
The festival will be a multi-day event highlighting Winston-Salem’s finest food, shops, restaurants, bakeries and culinary artists. Some of the restaurants participating include West End Cafe, Mellow Mushroom, Black Mountain Chocolate, Dewey’s Bakery and Artisans.
The festival will not only focus on the many talented culinary citizens of Winston-Salem, but will also feature live music. One of the musicians set to perform is country music star Corey Smith, who will be taking the stage Saturday (Sept. 20) as the headliner of the festival, with Elise Davis opening.
Rock the Block transforming into the new Texas Pete Culinary Arts Festival might be exciting for some, but students who loved the old event are feeling some resentment.
“Everyone knows what you’re taking about when you say ‘I’m going to Rock the Block,’ but now no one will know when you say ‘Texas Pete Culinary Arts Festival,’ ” junior Ella Shepherd said.
The name is not the only part of the controversy. The fact that the festival is being changed has caused some discussion.
“I’m too used to rockin’ the block,” senior Arnolfo Mendieta said.
Still, not all students are worried about the change.
“If people enjoyed Rock the Block previously, then they will still enjoy it,” senior Mia Perez said. “The name is merely a brand; the event itself is what people really care about.”
For more information on the event, visit www.Facebook.com/TexasPeteCulinaryArtsFestival. Admission is free to enjoy the activities in the arts district of downtown Winston.