Festivals

At D23 Expo 2022, Chairman Josh D’Amaro Shares a Boundless Future for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Published

2 years ago

September 11, 2022

D’Amaro offers first look at future of Avengers Campus, the Disney Treasure, and preview of Disney 100 Years of Wonder, the biggest celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Company

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Today at D23 Expo 2022, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a look into the future for Disney theme parks and beyond, with announcements that continue to defy expectations and inspire imagination. Highlights included the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort with a third attraction; a first look at the Disney Treasure, the next ship joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet; a closer look at the Frozen-themed lands coming to three park destinations around the world; and a behind-the-scenes look at the blue-sky brainstorming of Disney Imagineers.

At D23 Expo 2022, Chairman Josh D’Amaro Shares a Boundless Future for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products – D’AmaroTweet

“It’s terrific to be together in person and connect with our fans again at D23 Expo. I love sharing in the excitement with them for what we have ahead of us,” said Josh D’Amaro. “As the world’s greatest storytellers, I’m thrilled to share the new and innovative ways we are bringing next-generation Disney magic to life across Disney parks and experiences.”

As D’Amaro welcomed thousands of fans back to the ultimate Disney fan event for the first time since 2019, the audience was wowed by appearances from special guests, celebrities, never-before-seen characters and electric performances that filled Hall D23 with music and excitement.

Disney D23 1300893 ID 1427169c2ef2 — _{A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products On Sunday, September 11, 2022, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates from around the world, the D23 Expo audience got a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers.}

Singer-songwriter Jordan Fisher kicked off the show with a rousing performance of the popular anthem “Happily Ever After.” Executive Producer and Disney Legend Jon Favreau joined to share a first look at the Mandalorian and Grogu before they encounter guests starting in mid-November inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Then, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige shared how Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort will expand the Multiverse with a third attraction, along with the debut of the Incredible Hulk, who will appear in his Quantum Suit at Avengers Campus in California beginning next week for a limited time.

The audience was brought to their feet with a stellar performance by Disney Legend and Tony Award-winner Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and TheF Frog,” as more details were revealed about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in late 2024. As D’Amaro shared a closer look at the Frozen-themed areas coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris, the audience was treated to a moving rendition of the “Frozen 2” hit song “Into the Unknown” performed in Cantonese, Japanese and French.

A highlight of the morning included a look at what’s possible when Disney Imagineers and their collaborators dream big. Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, the Academy Award-winning writer and director of “Frozen” and “Frozen 2,” shared how the studio is working with Walt Disney Imagineering on concept explorations for Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and potential expansion opportunities at Magic Kingdom park, both at Walt Disney World. Finally, D’Amaro offered a look at Disney100, the biggest celebration in the company’s history, which will kick off in January.

The presentation was full of exciting announcements with an incredible slate of experiences coming to Disney parks, resorts, cruise ships and beyond:

New Stories Coming to Disneyland Resort
Guests at Disney California Adventure park will soon head into the Multiverse alongside fan-favorite Super Heroes, as details on a never-before-seen third attraction with a brand-new story was announced for Avengers Campus. Joining in battle with the Avengers means facing foes from anywhere and everywhen, including a new threat, King Thanos, a Multiverse variant designed specifically for Avengers Campus.

Just around the corner from Avengers Campus, Pacific Wharf will be reimagined as San Fransokyo from the Oscar-winning Disney Animation film “Big Hero 6,” complete with a place to meet Baymax as well as new spots to eat and shop.

At Disneyland park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will invite guests into a cartoon world where toon rules apply, and Mickey’s Toontown will step into a new era of inclusive experiences for families of all ages when it opens in early 2023.

Across the way, progress continues on the reimagining of the Paradise Pier Hotel to Pixar Place Hotel, where guests will feel as though they’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals. Over at the Downtown Disney District, more than a dozen new and reimagined locations will open, including a Southern Californian favorite, Porto’s Bakery & Café. For running fans, runDisney races will return to the resort in 2024.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort
Imagineers joined D’Amaro onstage to discuss new story details for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in late 2024. Several members of the original film cast will return to lend their voices to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Bruno Campos as Naveen, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis and Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie.

Walt Disney World Resort and the Transformation of EPCOT
The next major milestone in EPCOT’s multi-year transformation will include the completion of the World Celebration neighborhood in late 2023. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will also open in late 2023, inviting guests to follow the story of water on the planet, inspired by Moana’s connection to the ocean. Fan-favorite character Figment will also appear live to park guests by the end of 2023.

Over at Magic Kingdom, TRON / Lightcycle Run will invite guests to enter the Grid in spring 2023. Popular anthem “Happily Ever After” will play again when an updated nighttime spectacular returns to light up the skies over Cinderella Castle in 2023. At the Haunted Mansion, the Hatbox Ghost will materialize in 2023.

New Horizons for Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Treasure
The sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will set sail in 2024. Imagineers have dreamed up a new design concept inspired by the theme of adventure, celebrating Walt Disney’s lifelong love of exploration. The Grand Hall — the magnificent three-deck-tall atrium that welcomes guests on board — is inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, drawing on real-world influences from Asia and Africa, and paying homage to the far-off land of Agrabah. At the center, the signature statue will feature Aladdin, Jasmine and their Magic Carpet.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is bringing the magic of a Disney vacation to families and fans in Australia and New Zealand during limited-time cruises that immerse guests in Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories beginning in late October 2023. Additionally, repositioning cruises for the Disney Wonder will be the first South Pacific voyages for Disney Cruise Line, giving guests the chance to experience destinations like Fiji and Samoa.

In the Bahamas, progress continues on a beautiful new island destination at Lighthouse Point, which will bring the natural beauty and rich culture of the Bahamas to life for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Three Frozen-themed Lands Highlight Expansions at Parks Around the World
Inspired by Disney Animation’s stunning films, World of Frozen will open in the second half of 2023 at Hong Kong Disneyland – the first of three Frozen-themed areas coming to international Disney parks. It will blend Arendelle with the park’s natural landscapes on Lantau Island.

At Disneyland Paris, the Frozen-themed land will be the next major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Walt Disney Studios park. This land will offer a gorgeous lakeside promenade and will immerse guests in the same magical wintry setting from the films. A new Tangled-themed family attraction will join the new gardens leading into the land. Frozen will also be part of the transformation of the Disneyland Hotel, reopening in 2024. As part of the grand finale of the 30^th Anniversary celebration underway, a new stage show, “Pixar: We Belong Together,” will debut next year in Walt Disney Studios park.

At Tokyo Disney Resort, Frozen is one of the stories coming to life as part of the Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo DisneySea, joining two other Disney Animation stories, “Peter Pan” and “Tangled,” plus a brand-new hotel integrated right into the park. Fantasy Springs will feature several new Audio-Animatronics figures, including Elsa, who sings in Japanese and whose movements sync with the rhythms of the language.

Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first Disney resort to bring the world of the Oscar-winning Disney Animation film “Zootopia” to life. At Zootopia Central Station, guests will find animals going about their daily lives. At the Zootopia Police Department, which doubles as the entrance for the land’s new family attraction, guests will be greeted by an Audio-Animatronics figure of Officer Clawhauser.

Mickey’s favorite teddy bear, Duffy, is a favorite of fans in all three Disney resorts in Asia, and D’Amaro shared that Duffy & Friends will star in their very own six-episode, stop-motion animated series on Disney+ next year.

Disney 100 Years of Wonder
D’Amaro concluded the presentation with a first look at how Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will mark Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100), the biggest celebration in the history of the company. New décor, specialty food and beverages, character experiences and more will come to parks around the world, with the heart of the celebration rooted at Disneyland Resort.

Two new nighttime spectaculars — “World of Color – One” and the new fireworks show “Wondrous Journeys” — will kick off in late January at Disneyland Resort. “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It’s going to be World of Color like you’ve never seen it before, with an all-new inspiring story told through some favorite characters. “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park will ignite the wonder in everyone and feature nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date, taking viewers on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart. Special entertainment moments will also pop up across the resort, including the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade this spring.
A brand-new nighttime spectacular will come to the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT in late 2023 as part of the Disney100 Celebration.
Hong Kong Disneyland will also unveil a new statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse near Cinderella’s Carousel as part of the Disney100 Celebration.

For more information, visit DisneyParksBlog.com.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with five ships and plans for two more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai’i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and consumer products — including books, games and merchandise.

SOURCE Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

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Grand Opening of October 2024 Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show Emerging Sports Rise: Pickleball and AR Fitness Take Center Stage

Published

2 months ago

November 1, 2024

Daily News Staff

HONG KONG /PRNewswire/ — Phase 3 of the 2024 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows officially opened today, featuring the Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show alongside the debut of the Global Sources Baby & Children’s Products Show. The events will run until October 30 at AsiaWorld-Expo. With growing global awareness of health consciousness, the sports and outdoor industry is experiencing explosive growth. The Sports & Outdoor Show, first launched last year, has successfully captured trends in the sports industry and met global buyers’ demands.

The Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show showcases over 30,000 high-quality, fashionable, technological, and environmentally friendly sports and outdoor products, featuring approximately 600 booths from Asia. The shows cover equipment for camping, fitness, water sports, outdoor activities, sportswear, and accessories, aiming to build a comprehensive sports lifestyle ecosystem and create a one-stop fashion sports sourcing platform. The Global Sources Baby & Children’s Products Show concurrently showcases baby products, toys, clothing, strollers, car seats, children’s furniture, and related maternal and infant services.

John Kao, Vice President of Global Sources Hong Kong and Overseas Shows, stated: “The sports and outdoor market is experiencing unprecedented development opportunities. People’s pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and love of nature are driving the robust growth of the sports and outdoor industry. Our shows follow market trends by not only providing buyers with a diverse range of high-quality sports and outdoor products but also by introducing immersive sports experiences and emerging sports programs, bringing new vitality and business opportunities to the industry. Global Sources will continue to promote the development of the sports and outdoor market and build a superior platform for global buyers and suppliers to exchange ideas and cooperate.”

Newly Emerged Sports Growth: Indoor Pickleball Experience Space Added

Global Sources Sports & Outdoor breaks from traditional exhibition formats by introducing a series of immersive sports experiences for buyers. Among newly emerged sports, Pickleball has shown significant growth, with Hong Kong recently opening its first indoor Pickleball experience space, demonstrating enormous business potential and broad development prospects. Global Sources set up a Pickleball court and launches a “Pickleball Training Camp” with HKPickle.Union. Visitors can interact on-site and experience the unique charm of Pickleball under the guidance of promotional ambassadors and professional coaches, stimulating buyers’ purchasing interest in the emerging sports trend.

The show has also established a Sports Carnival in Hall 5, featuring basketball, air hockey, smart bike riding, darts, table football, and other sports gaming facilities. Through a series of sports and outdoor-themed activities and competitions, buyers can enjoy sports in fun competitions while sourcing products in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Wellness & Fitness Zone: PURE Yoga Classes and Latest AR Fitness Equipment

Phase 3 of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows has set up a special “Wellness & Fitness Zone” in collaboration with local premium fitness center PURE, bringing a series of yoga and fitness activities to buyers and exhibitors. PURE’s professional yoga instructors will provide yoga experiences on-site and share yoga-related knowledge.

The experience zone will also showcase the latest AR fitness equipment, which won the 2023 Red Dot Winner Award. This equipment integrates digitalization, artificial intelligence, gym training, strength training, and smart home fitness functions, providing visitors with an immersive fitness experience. Through these activities, buyers can closely understand and experience the latest sports and outdoor products while personally participating in health and fitness practices.

International Pavilions Showcase Diversity, Innovation

The exhibition continues its internationalization, attracting pavilions from countries including India and Vietnam. The Vietnamese manufacturers’ group is presenting highly competitive and cost-effective new products such as sportswear, swimwear, and functional bags. These products highlight Vietnam’s increasing craftsmanship and design capabilities while bringing Southeast Asian fashion design concepts and creativity to the show. On the opening day, the Vietnam Pavilion held an opening ceremony attended by Hu Wei, CEO of Global Sources; Mrs. Le Duc Hanh, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong; John Kao, Vice President of Global Sources Hong Kong and Overseas Shows; and Sam Hui, Vice President of Global Resources Strategy and International Business, who jointly witnessed this important moment.

Onsite Summit Program

Phase 3 of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows features a series of professional forums under the theme “Thriving Together: Novel Products for Active Folks and Little Ones.” The event brings together industry representatives from the E-Commerce Association of Hong Kong, Pantone, Novelty Lane, SGS, Tech Packs Co, and others to explore industry development trends and share market updates. The forums cover various hot topics, including “PANTONEVIEW Colour Planner Autumn/Winter 2025/26 – Family,” “The Rise of Fashion-Forward Active Apparel and Gear,” and “Navigating the Latest Pitfalls for Selling Baby and Kids Products on Amazon.” A highlight forum, “Champion’s Choice: Elite Athlete Unveils the Winning Gear,” features Ms. Pui Yin Yip, former Olympic badminton representative, sharing insights on athletes’ preferred sports apparel and equipment, meeting buyers’ needs for the latest market dynamics.

Focusing on Sustainable Development and Upgrading Digital Services

As consumers’ awareness of environmental protection continues to strengthen, Global Sources Hong Kong Shows, as an internationally leading B2B procurement platform, actively practices ESG principles. From the meticulous layout of the exhibition hall to the orderly organization of events, it comprehensively implements measures for environmental protection and sustainable development. In these shows, Global Sources strongly encourages exhibitors to showcase their ESG labels, making it easier for buyers to identify and select suppliers that meet environmental standards. This initiative motivates suppliers to put environmental concepts into practice and jointly promotes the green development of the industry.

At the same time, the shows have launched the feature-rich Show Genie 2.0 APP, providing visitors with more convenient exhibition features. These include fast entry through QR code registration, a search function to quickly locate desired exhibitors and products, personalized exhibition routes, and online note-taking capabilities. This greatly enhances the exhibition experience for visitors.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is an internationally recognized B2B sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for over 50 years. The Company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through trade shows, digital platforms, magazines and events. Global Sources’ unique online-to-offline (O2O) services have successfully provided efficient and convenient commercial services to over 10 million registered international buyers and users.

This press release is distributed by Market Hubs Holdings Limited.

SOURCE Global Sources

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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Festivals

Sun Wine & Food Fest Returns to Mohegan Sun for 21st Year

Published

2 months ago

October 30, 2024

Daily News Staff

Four-day festival featuring renowned chefs Geoffrey Zacharian, Antonia Lofaso, Maneet Chauhan, Marc Murphy and more is set to kick off on Thursday, January 23rd

Sun Wine & Food Fest

UNCASVILLE, Conn. /PRNewswire/ — Mohegan Sun’s largest annual festival, Sun Wine & Food Fest, which runs from Thursday, January 23, 2025 through Sunday, January 26, 2025, returns with stars, sips and savory eats. Guests will be able to enjoy and experience award-winning wine and spirits, top chefs, and other food enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend. The action-packed weekend features the return of Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience, Grand Tasting, Vintage Cru, and Celebrity Chef After Party along with new and exciting experiences such as CT Spotlight Series, Beam Suntory Presents: Asian Market, and a Sun Wine & Food Fest Special Edition of Shuffle to Showdown.

Tickets to the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest are on sale now via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.

Thursday, January 23rd

Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off on Thursday, January 23rd with the CT Spotlight Series Featuring Two Roads from 8:00pm – 9:30pm in an intimate setting. At this event, attendees will discover Two Roads Brewing Company’s unique selection of brews and sample their classics and special projects. Also, hear more about their process of creating incredible brews, and taste delicious food expertly paired and prepared by a local chef.

Friday, January 24th

The day two action of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2025 gets started in the Earth Ballroom with Beam Suntory Presents: Asian Market from 6:00pm – 9:00pm where guests can immerse themselves in a true culinary adventure. Fans of Asian cuisine will watch as renowned celebrity chef and Food Network star, Esther Choi, teams up with fellow chefs to cook up incredible “Street Food” style fare made with masterful techniques and bold flavors. Guests looking to secure a sneak peek into all the extraordinary wines and culinary excellence that the Grand Tasting has to offer can make their way to the Earth Expo & Convention Center from 7:00pm – 10:00pm for the Grand Tasting Preview. From 8:00pm – 10:00pm, guests can bundle up and sip on premium, frosty, expertly crafted cocktails featuring Mohegan Sun’s Frosty Fusions and more at the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience. For those who are Blackjack novices or those who are just looking to refine their skills, the Shuffle to Showdown event at novelle from 8:00pm – 10:00pm will feature expert instructors guiding guests through the ins and outs of the classic casino game using “fun money” with a chance to win real prizes! Over at the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar from 9:00pm – 11:00pm, guests can experience Spirits & Cigars Presented by Mohegan Sun’s Barrel Select Program where those in attendance will discover the subtle notes, aromas, and complexities of both the spirits and cigars, designed to complement one another perfectly. To finish the night, those who love local wineries can enjoy the CT Spotlight Featuring Preston Ridge Vineyard from 9:00pm – 10:30pm where guests can explore a range of hand-selected options paired with bites from a local chef.

Saturday, January 25th

Day three of the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest will bring experiences that guests will cherish for years to come. To kick the day off, fine food and vino enthusiasts can attend a celebration of wine and culinary mastery at Sun Wine & Food Fest’s signature event, the exquisite Grand Tasting, from Noon – 5:00pm in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. Attendees can taste from more than 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits, sample exquisite dishes, and watch renowned chefs present live culinary demonstrations as they showcase their skills and share the tricks of the trade. From 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Earth Ballroom, Vintage Cru will give guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the world’s most revered and rare wines. Those in attendance will taste an exclusive lineup of exceptional selections, featuring aged bottles from renowned vineyards and highly sought-after vintages. Over at the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Macallan Tasting will allow attendees to savor and learn firsthand with the Macallan brand specialist about how the Macallan’s mastery of wood makes it the world’s most luxurious spirit. The popular Celebrity Chef Dine Around returns to the Uncas Ballroom from 8:00pm – 10:30pm featuring an extraordinary array of curated food, presented by more than 20 chefs who are known for pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity. The celebrity chefs will showcase their signature dishes that will be expertly paired with a wine, beer, or spirit. After a day of culinary delights, the festivities continue in Avalon Nightclub from 10:30pm – 2:00am, where guests can celebrate Sun Wine & Food Fest at the Celebrity Chef After Party, the most exclusive after party in town, sponsored by J Vineyards.

Sunday, January 26th

To cap off the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest, guests can experience a delicious culinary experience with a specially curated menu and signature cocktails at three different locations across property. Reservations are available online for Michael Jordan’s Steak House Brunch as well as Tuscany’s Brunch Buffet, or head over to Mohegan Sun’s newly opened restaurant, The Shed, where a delightful morning of delicious brunch food, good company and endless fun will take place.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates! For the full list of Sun Wine & Food Fest events, visit the Mohegan Sun website.

Media coverage opportunities at Sun Wine & Food Fest are available. For more information, please contact PR Specialist Jack Graham at [email protected].

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN

Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.

SOURCE Mohegan

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

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Festivals

Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival Launches Inaugural ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ Event

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

Dolores Raphael, Daily News Staff

The countdown has officially begun for food and baseball enthusiasts as the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival gears up for an exciting inaugural event, ‘Taste of the Major Leagues,’ set to take place on November 20, 2024. Presented by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, this unique event promises to be a culinary feast that marries the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the thrill of Major League Baseball.

A Flavorful Kickoff to a Grand Festival

Hosted at the picturesque La Concha Resort in San Juan, the ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ event is more than just a prelude to the main festival scheduled for April 3-6, 2025. This gathering will bring together culinary talents and baseball legends, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The event will be hosted by renowned Chef Mario Pagán, with sports icons Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Delgado as co-hosts, both World Series champions with a deep-rooted love for Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.

Chef Pagán expressed immense excitement, stating, “This is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.” His sentiments resonate with the festival’s vision to showcase the island’s culinary talent while honoring its cultural heritage.

Meet the Stars of the Show

Attendees can look forward to not just exceptional food and drinks, but also the chance to mingle with baseball superstars. Former New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vázquez, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, and 2008 National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto are among the notable players making an appearance. This unique blend of gastronomy and athletics captures the spirit of Puerto Rico, uniting two beloved aspects of Puerto Rican culture.

Beltrán emphasized the importance of the event for community support, articulating, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared passions while raising funds to support our young athletes.” The event will benefit institutions like the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy and Delgado’s Extra Bases Foundation, reflecting a commitment to giving back to the community.

A Festival with a Purpose

Beyond an indulgent culinary experience, the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival represents a broader mission: to enrich the community through culinary education. The festival will actively support Puerto Rico Eats for Good, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and hands-on training for aspiring chefs. This initiative aligns perfectly with the festival’s emphasis on sustainable growth in the culinary sector.

As Robert Weakley, the founder of the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, aptly noted, “Their passion and expertise will elevate the event and also help us raise awareness and strengthen our bond within the community.” This intention reinforces the festival’s aim to highlight Puerto Rico as a premier food destination while fostering relationships among local talent.

Getting Your Tickets

If you’re eager to be part of this unique culinary celebration, tickets for ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ go on sale on October 28, priced at $225. These tickets promise access to a mouthwatering selection of dishes crafted by some of Puerto Rico’s finest chefs, along with exquisite drinks from talented mixologists.

The Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, which will take place in April 2025, will further explore and celebrate the island’s dynamic food culture. With tastings from renowned wineries and interactive activities, including golf and pickleball tournaments, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience.

The Event

The inaugural ‘Taste of the Major Leagues’ event is set to encapsulate the spirit of culinary excellence and community support that defines Puerto Rican culture. As the festival approaches, both locals and visitors have the opportunity to engage with the rich flavors of the island while supporting initiatives that foster the next generation of culinary talent.

Join us at La Concha Resort for a night of delectable bites, signature cocktails, and unforgettable memories—culinary adventures await! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival website.