Taco Trauma set Friday in St. John

St. John is gearing up for its annual Taco Trauma event this weekend.

The event began 28 years ago as a fundraiser for the St. John Community Club. Jim Van Lith got together with then Rialto Tavern owners Jerry and Vera Parrish with the idea.

“He approached them with an idea for a taco feed, and they started a taco feed,” said Amanda Webb, one of the coordinators for the event.

A lot has changed in the 28 years since Taco Trauma first made its debut in St. John. The location is one change, with the event having moved from the Rialto Tavern to the community building. The size is another.

“We’ve grown to where we have a live band,” said Webb. This year’s live entertainment will be provided by Blue Mountain Station, a country rock band out of the Tri-Cities.

“They do a little bit of everything, and they really play to the crowd,” said Webb.

One thing that has not changed is the tacos.

“There’s not a lot of choices. It’s either hot or mild, that’s how they come,” said Webb. “The shells are deep fried awesome, then cheese and taco trauma meat. If you order hot, it comes with a secret sauce. And then there’s lettuce and tomato, and it’s wrapped up. It only comes one way. The recipe has not changed in 28 years. They’re still built exactly the same way.”

Van Lith, who has been named “King Taco,” is still in the kitchen, too.

“He will be in the kitchen,” said Webb. “He is King Taco, so he is quality control, making sure that 28-year-old recipe is held up.”

Webb estimates that 1,400 tacos will be served Friday night. She also estimates attendance to be around 200-300 people.

“There’s no cover charge, so it’s hard to get a head count,” she said.

Another change to the original Taco Trauma format is the family time that has been added. Taco Trauma originally started as a 21 and older event, but for the past few years, doors have opened at 6 p.m. for all ages.

“Between six and nine, the front half is family seating, and the back half is a beer garden,” said Webb. “At nine, we make sure everyone is 21 or older and tear down the bear garden fence and crank up the music.”

Webb recommends arriving early.

“The kitchen does quit,” she said, noting tacos are usually sold out by 9 p.m.

In addition to tacos, nachos are also on the menu, and margaritas will be sold for $6 and beer for $3. ID is required.

“Come out and bring your dancing shoes,” said Webb.

Proceeds will go to the St. John Community Club for community building improvements and improvements to the St. John fairgrounds.