Volunteer Spotlight: Food Chair Christy Day

One of the biggest highlights of the Come and Take It Celebration is the food, and this is the second year that Christy Day has taken on the important role of Food Chairperson. Christy works with every commercial and nonprofit vendor to make sure they’re set up, supported, and ready to serve the thousands of visitors who look forward to tasting their favorites all weekend long.

Last year, Christy made an important change by shortening the food tent by 20 feet on the north end, which opened up more space for people to flow through the food tent and into the commercial vendor area.

These improvements helped ease congestion and made the grounds more enjoyable for visitors.

Commercial vendors have slowly been added over the years as nonprofit booths declined due to a lack of volunteers, especially after COVID, when many organizations found easier ways to raise money than spending three days on the grounds.

Once nonprofits pick their food choices, the committee votes on which commercial vendors are allowed, ensuring a clean, fair setup and avoiding overlap.

Christy also works hand in hand with Grounds Chair Frank Wallace on tent placement, tables, and chair setups, while making sure vendors sign their contracts and follow health code requirements. The committee also ensures that nonprofit organizations benefit fully from their participation.

In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the committee voted that nonprofits keep 100 percent of their proceeds, while the festival provides them with a tent, security, cleaning crew, trash pickup, and fire extinguishers, giving them a safe, supported, and professional environment to raise funds for their causes.

Because of Christy’s work, festival goers can stroll the grounds with a cold drink in hand, enjoy something delicious to eat, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

This year’s food lineup includes a little something for everyone:

Nonprofit Vendors

• Leo’s Club – Sodas, Powerade, pickles, ice cups

• Gonzales Masonic Lodge #30 – Boudin balls, red beans & rice, roasted corn, water

• St. James Youth – Burgers, chips, water, juice

• Gonzales Anchor Club & FCCLA – Popcorn, cheesecake on a stick

• The Edwards Association – Fried fish, hush puppies, fries, chili cheese fries, snow cones

• Catholic Youth – Water, tea

Commercial Vendors

• The Dawg Haus – Gourmet hot dogs, nachos, mac n cheese bowls

• Da Spot – Aguas frescas, mini tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, chicken strips, asada fries, burritos, flour tacos, fries, cheese fries

• Taqueria Dolores – Street tacos, tortas, gorditas, churros, duros preparados, corn in a cup, corn on a stick, Mexican snow cones, Mexican candy

• JNR Pizza – Giant pizza slices, Texas sweet tea, lemonade

• Kenny’s Shaved Ice – Colorful, ice-cold shaved ice piled high and packed with flavor, the perfect way to cool down on a warm festival day

• Alright Boyz BBQ – Turkey legs, beef sandwiches, brisket nachos, brisket frito pie, chili cheese nachos, fries

• Texas Event Catering – Loaded baked potatoes

• Gem’s Sweets (under tent) – Brisket egg rolls, chicken fajita egg rolls, tea, water

• Leesville Café Funnel Cakes (under tent) – Funnel cakes, fried Oreos, fresh squeezed lemonade

The committee is grateful for Christy’s dedication and the time she gives to keep this favorite tradition going strong.