Sure, we'll enjoy the sounds of oldies bands and walking through the art booths at this weekend's A Taste of Colorado. We're up for a little gold panning and cooling down with the Silver Bullet Girls in the Coors tent. We always look forward to gathering free samples of everything from organic snacks to kitty litter.

But who are we kidding? Those are simply diversions from the real reason we go: to eat! Yummy food is available from dozens of booths scattered across Civic Center dishing everything from the iconic (corn dogs) to the exotic (fried alligator).

From the time the gathering was established in 1895 as the Festival of Mountain and Plain, food has been a fundamental part of these proceedings. (However, we suspect in the early years that pad Thai and saag paneer were not on the menu.)

It is nice to know that if we tire of turkey legs, the Fine Dining Area presents more upscale fare from local eateries and the Culinary Showcase where noted chefs offer cooking demos.

Food can be purchased only using tickets. A strip of eight costs $5. The booths selling tickets accept only cash.

Here are some of the event's taste opportunities by category if you want to serial sample one species of cuisine, say food on sticks.

Globe-trotting tastes

• Colombia: Buñuelos - fritters (Angela's Colombian Kitchen)

• Caribbean: Fried plantains (Caribbean Cuisine)

• Greece: Spanakopita - spinach pie (Greek Village)

• India: Saag paneer - creamed spinach and cheese (India House)

• Mexico: Cactus tacos (Rosalinda's Mexican Cafe)

• Philippines: Pancit bihon - stir-fried noodles (Tropical Grill)

• Thailand: Chicken green curry (Wild Ginger)

• Japan: Yakitori chicken skewer (Wok & Roll)

• Middle East: Dolmas - stuffed grape leaves (Falafel King)

Licks on sticks

• Frozen cheesecake on a stick (Berrie Kabobs)

• Pickle on a stick (Cherry Creek Concessions)

• Buffalo steak on a stick (Colorado Buffalo Grill)

• Chicken on a stick (Trail Dust Steakhouse)

Healthier choices

• Berry kabobs (Berrie Kabobs)

• Buffalo burger (Colorado Buffalo Grill)

• Corn on the cob (Colorado Corn Company)

• Shrimp cocktail (Del Mar Crab House)

• Grilled mahi mahi and shrimp (Downtown Aquarium)

• Cold noodle with vegetable (Imperial Chinese)

• Veggie dog (Mustard's Last Stand)

• Smoked turkey and feta salad (Rory's Lunchbox)

• Vegetarian pad Thai noodles (Wild Ginger)

• California sushi roll (Wok & Roll Teriyaki)

• Pickle on a stick (Cherry Creek Concessions)

• Tandoori chicken (India's Restaurant)

• Mango lassi (India House)

Sweet treats

• Fruit-filled empanadas (Angela's Colombian Kitchen)

• Bavarian cream cake (Dave & Buster's)

• Baklava (Falafel King)

• Churros (Garcia's)

• Apple cobbler (Hard Rock Cafe)

• White chocolate cheesecake (Saltgrass Steakhouse)

• Waffle with chocolate chips (Waffle Brothers)

Fine Dining Area highlights

• Shrimp and prime rib (Broker)

• Chorizo sandwich with chimichurri (Buenos Aires Grill)

• Veal-mushroom ravioli with sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce (Maggiano's)

• Tilapia ceviche (Max Gill & Grill)

• Chocolate hazelnut gelato (Panzano)

• Chicken walnut salad with greens (Paradise Bakery)

• Amalfi Coast pasta with house-made meatballs (Pulcinella)

Taste of Colorado classics

• Corn dog (Mustard's Last Stand)

• Turkey legs (Rocky Mountain Turkey Legs)

• Funnel cakes (Roro's Concessions)

• Kettle popcorn (Old Tyme Kettle Korn)

• Cinnamon-roasted almonds (Nut Sensations)

• Shaved ice (Snowbiz)

• Nachos deluxe (Taqueria Jalisco)

• Barbecue pork ribs (Famous Dave's)

• Cheeseburger (Hard Rock Cafe)

• Soft-serve ice cream (Cold Front)

• Wings (Thunderbird Burgers)

• Pepperoni pizza (The Fire Within)

• Mini doughnuts (Divine Donuts)

Best in a bun

• Philly cheesesteak (Dave & Buster's)

• Crab cake burger (Del Mar Crab House)

• Barbecue pork sandwich (Famous Dave's)

• Gyros sandwich (Greek Village)

• Mexican hamburger (La Familia)

• German bratwurst (Alpine Sausage)

• Barbecue brisket sandwich (Thunderbird Burgers)

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