The second annual L.A. Vendy Awards, an event and fundraiser that's been called the “Street Food Oscars,” is coming to Pan Pacific Park this weekend, on June 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eight finalists, which include local vendors such as the India Jones Chow Truck, Tacos El Gallito, Buttermilk Truck and Martha's Tamales, will compete for the title of “The People's Taste Award” presented by the nonprofit Street Vendor Project.

Based in New York City, the Street Vendor Project works to provide education about vendors' rights against city ordinances and also to help vendors with small business training and investment loans.

The Vendy Awards are more of a celebration than competition, though, so expect a day of socializing and smorgasbording. Ticket holders will be treated to unlimited tasting of their favorite foods from the finalist vendors and can enjoy beer, wine and other drinks throughout the afternoon. Tickets are on sale for $40 ($30 for kids 8-12) with proceeds benefiting organizations that support street-vendor rights in Los Angeles (like Los Loncheros, CHIRLA and the UCLA Downtown Labor Center). More info and a complete bio of the 2012 finalists at L.A. Vendy awards website.

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