In queso you were wondering, the Columbus Mac & Cheese Festivalis nacho ordinary food fest. It has raised a lot of cheddar for a gouda cause.
Since 2017, the event has brought in more than $591,000 to aid the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer program at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James.
The festival was founded by Josh Barkan, who chairs the NextGen James Ambassadors, a group of 21-to-39-year-old professionals that includes cancer survivors.
The organization, along with the Easton Community Foundation, will host the Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival from 4-7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Yard at Easton.
The family-friendly affair will feature mac and cheese samples from a variety of central Ohio restaurants, live entertainment,
giveaways, kid zone activities and other attractions.
Tickets for ages 13 and older cost $30, good for mac and cheese samples from all vendors. Beverages are not included.
Tickets for ages 3-12 cost $10, and admission is free for ages 2 and younger. VIP tickets and family discounts are available.
Visit adv-events.osu.edu to register and purchase tickets. Walk-in registration will be accepted as space allows.
The NextGen James Ambassadors work to further The James’ mission by helping to ensure that young people battling cancer receive AYA’s specialized counseling, peer connection, fertility guidance and other services.
Barkan told The Dispatch in 2024 that the Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival is, first and foremost, a way to “fight cancer.” His fondness for the main dish is a bonus.
“I love mac and cheese, and I think lot of people do, too,” he said at the time. “Who doesn’t like mac and cheese?”
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mac & Cheese Festival has raised over $500K for cancer research
