Pigout in McCosh Park

Food, music draw families to McCosh Park event

MOSES LAKE — Many Moses Lake residents sought spots in the shade to enjoy food and free music, plus time with their families, over the weekend.

The second annual Pigout in McCosh Park took place Friday through Sunday, with food booths and free musical concerts.

Coordinator Bill Burke said Saturday morning things were going wonderfully.

"We were jammed (Friday) night," he said, noting he anticipated a bigger show Saturday night. "A lot of people have called about Pirates of the Mississippi. We're going to have a big show. The vendors have done wonderful this year. Everything's going great, great cooperation from the city of Moses Lake. These guys are so nice to work with."

A fewer number of food and vendor booths drew mixed reviews from some participants.

Boyfriend and girlfriend John Tobey and Billie Mathers, both of Moses Lake, felt there was more to see last year because there were more booths then, and more places to shop.

"You come and just in a few minutes you see everything," Tobey said.

But Tobey and Mathers were finding things to enjoy as well.

"All the entertainment's good this year," Mathers said.

Moses Lake resident Jason Johnston felt this year's event was comparable to the first time last year.

"I'd like to see a few more restaurants out here and more people would be nice, but hey," he said. "It's a bunch of fun for the kids to come down, listen to music and eat and enjoy ourselves. I like coming down and listening to the music."

Moses Lake residents Steve and Amanda Martinez knew exactly why they were in attendance Saturday morning with their children, Kay-Lee, Hannah L. and Hannah K.

"To eat," Amanda Martinez said with a laugh.

"Family time," Steve Martinez said. "Music, relaxing and food."

Amanda Martinez thought the event was the same as last year's.

"Just as good," she said.

Husband and wife Hector and Trina Garcia danced to the music of Tejano Skyz in the Centennial Amphitheater Saturday morning.

"We just love the music and you can bring the kids," Trina Garcia said.

"It's very family-oriented," Hector Garcia agreed.

Moses Lake residents Frank and Darla Kimber found a place in the shade to sit in chairs and people-watch.

"It just looked like a fun thing, a lot of people," Darla Kimber said. "It looks like a lot of people getting a lot of good food."

New York City resident Julia Concepcion was visiting Moses Lake for several days while on vacation.

"Oh, I love it here," she said. "Beautiful — the weather's gorgeous. I've been to last night's music area, the pool. Very nice."

As he left the event Saturday afternoon, Moses Lake resident Chris L. Nygaard reported the food items he'd partaken in, including a chicken gyro, an Italian meatball sandwich, a beef brisket sandwich and strawberry shortcake and a strawberry parfait.

This was Nygaard's second time at the event, after attending last year.

"I think I enjoyed it more this time because it wasn't quite so stifling," he said. "And I also came mid-day rather than the late afternoon. That's always the best way to do it. I'm an old desert brat, lived here for many years. I know when to go inside."