Tim Self joins the show to talk up My Hometown Fest, a Sarasota festival built around local food and beer that has become a genuine community gathering rather than just another event on the calendar. With Brad away and Cynthia McLin sitting in as guest co-host alongside Trey, the conversation has an easy, informal energy as Self walks through what makes the festival distinct from other food events in the area.
Self explains how the festival grew out of a desire to spotlight Sarasota's own restaurants, breweries and makers rather than importing outside vendors, and why that hometown-first approach has helped it build loyal attendance year over year. He talks through the logistics of pulling off an event with that many moving parts, from vendor coordination to keeping the day feeling like a neighborhood party instead of a commercial trade show.
A Festival Built to Feel Like Home
Self gets specific about some of the local vendors and breweries that anchor the festival lineup, and why featuring Sarasota businesses matters as much to him as the turnout numbers. He and McLin swap stories about past festivals and what keeps bringing people back.
The roundabout question comes up in typical fashion, giving Self a chance to weigh in on Sarasota infrastructure the way any local would over a beer. The Rapid Fire Gauntlet closes the episode with a quick, casual read on Self, rounding out a conversation that is really an invitation to come experience Sarasota's hometown flavors in person.
What you'll take away
- My Hometown Fest prioritizes local Sarasota restaurants, breweries and makers over outside vendors
- Tim Self built the festival to feel like a neighborhood gathering rather than a commercial trade show
- Consistent local vendor participation has helped the festival build loyal year-over-year attendance
- Cynthia McLin joined as guest co-host, giving the episode a relaxed, informal tone
- Event logistics for a food and beer festival require significant vendor coordination