Florida’s food festivals combine the excitement of celebrations with the fresh taste of local foods. "The best places to find the heart and soul of tasty Florida fare is in the multitude of local food festivals held throughout the year in the state’s pleasant and welcoming climate." (Steinbacher, Joan. Food Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals. ISBN 0-9779846-0-5. )Florida events include traditional food festivals honoring a crop grown or seafood harvested in the region, chili and barbecue cookoffs, and "Taste Of" events featuring signature dishes of various restaurants. Festival length varies—from one-day affairs to a week or more. They feature a variety of activities and many festival proceeds go to charity. External linksFood Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals