Atlanta Taco Festival responds after angry attendees slam 'disastrous' event

ATLANTA — It’s been several days since the very first Atlanta Taco Festival, but the event remains a popular topic of discussion.

Many attendees took to social media after Sunday's event in Candler Park to complain about logistics, long lines and poor food.

"How were the tacos?" Channel 2's Berndt Petersen asked.  "I wouldn't know," Erin Camp said. "I didn't get any."

Camp was not the only one upset and insisted the event was oversold.

"I think they had maybe 15 food trucks and let in 20,000 people,” Becky Dobras said. “Couldn’t handle it. And took everybody's money."

On Wednesday, officials with the festival issued a statement admitting some issues and offering refund solutions.

The festival posted the following message on its website:

We were thrilled with the community's overwhelming enthusiasm for the inaugural Atlanta Taco Festival and are disappointed that technological and logistical issues impeded the on-site experience.

We implemented the RFID wristbands to provide a smooth, fast and enjoyable day; however, we do understand that many guests experienced issues with the new system. We sincerely apologize that this, along with long wait times contributed to a frustrating event.

Guests who purchased their tickets through Freshtix or Scoutmob may email atlantatacofestival@gmail.com within seven days of the festival to request a refund solution. If a purchase was made through a third party site such as Groupon or Living Social, guests must contact the third party site directly to request a refund solution.

Additionally, we are taking all guest feedback to heart in order to ensure these issues do not occur in subsequent years.

Some people who contacted us to complain about the event say this isn't enough. What do you think of the festival's response? Join the conversation on the WSB-TV Facebook page.

Cox Media Group