I've taken my family to this event for years, but this will be the last.
This is no longer a "Culinary Festival." Rather it's a "Beer and Booze" festival, which is fine if that's what you're looking for.
The food booths are no longer allowed to sell beverages- even water. There are no non-alcoholic beverages anywhere - only $3 water, RC, and 7-Up sold through the contracted beer booths. Not even a lemonade stand like at all other festivals! Not very family friendly. There is a small kids area with activities good for kids about 8 and under, but the overall changes to this event are not very family friendly.
The music was meh - at least on Saturday afternoon.
There is very little 'culinary' diversity. Mostly Mexican and BBQ. There was much more in the past.
So sad to see this great event devolve into an drink based money making venture.