Downtown Huntington was filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of one of Indiana’s favorite foods as the Huntington Tenderloin Festival returned for another incredible year.
From tenderloins and live music to local shopping, family activities and a brand-new eating contest, the festival brought visitors and residents together to celebrate a food that has a special connection to Huntington County.
And, of course, everyone wanted to know one thing: Who had the best tenderloin?
And the Tenderloin Winners Were…
With 13 tenderloin vendors serving their own versions of this Hoosier classic, there was plenty of delicious competition.
Festivalgoers had the opportunity to taste their way through Downtown Huntington and vote for their favorite.
WiseGuys Downtown took home the Overall Taste Award, earning the approval of festivalgoers who sampled the tenderloins throughout the day.
The official judges had another difficult decision to make, ultimately naming The Pickle of Markle the winner of the Judged Tenderloin Contest.
Congratulations to both local restaurants for representing Huntington County and showing visitors just how seriously we take our tenderloins!
A Food with Huntington History
The breaded pork tenderloin isn't simply a favorite Indiana meal. It has deep roots right here in Huntington.
Nick's Kitchen in Downtown Huntington is credited as the birthplace of the breaded pork tenderloin, making Huntington an especially fitting place to hold a festival dedicated to this beloved Hoosier sandwich.
That history was also part of one of the festival's newest attractions: the first Tenderloin Eating Contest.
Nick's Kitchen sponsored the competition and donated the tenderloins as contestants attempted to eat as many as possible in just five minutes.
It added a fun new tradition to a festival already centered around one of Huntington's most famous culinary claims to fame.
More Than Tenderloins
While the tenderloins may have been the stars of the day, there was plenty happening throughout Downtown Huntington.
The festival featured 13 tenderloin vendors and 22 food vendors, giving visitors plenty to taste and explore.
Live music from local performers, including Ivory Moss and Kyle & Bennett of O' Sister, Brother, added to the atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
The fun continued into the evening with The Bull Dogs performing on the courthouse lawn during Music in the City, hosted by the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce.
Family Fun in Downtown Huntington
Families also found plenty to enjoy at the Tiny Tenders Play Yard, which featured bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, giveaways and activities for younger festivalgoers.
Visitors explored the Farmers Market, shopped with local vendors and stopped inside Downtown Huntington's locally owned businesses throughout the day.
DORA also returned, allowing adults to enjoy approved beverages while strolling through designated areas of downtown.
It was a day that showcased much more than a sandwich. It showcased the businesses, organizations, volunteers and people who make Huntington such a welcoming place to visit.
A Delicious Reason to Visit Huntington, Indiana
The Huntington Tenderloin Festival celebrates something that is uniquely Hoosier while telling a story that begins right here in Huntington.
Visitors can taste a tenderloin, discover its Huntington history, explore our downtown, shop locally owned businesses and experience the community that surrounds it.
Congratulations again to WiseGuys Downtown for winning Overall Taste and The Pickle of Markle for taking home the Judged Tenderloin Contest title.
And thank you to the volunteers, businesses, vendors, musicians, sponsors and organizers who helped fill Downtown Huntington with great food and thousands of smiling faces.
If you missed this year's Huntington Tenderloin Festival, there's always another reason to Visit Huntington County, Indiana.
Come hungry. Stay awhile. And discover what makes Huntington County worth the trip.
