CINCINNATI — Thousands from both sides of the river came out to attend the third annual The Real Taco Fest, celebrating their love of tacos. 

Joseph Garcia said the best part about owning a food truck is being on the go and outdoors and not being confined to just one space. As a third-generation Mexican American, Garcia said his inspiration comes from his Mexican and Texan culture.

"My mom kept me in the kitchen a lot, so that was one big inspiration, just learning how to cook from her," Garcia said.

Over the years, he has worked to share his family's history infused with Kentucky culture to make some unique-styled tacos, including his award-winning 12-hour braised brisket. 

However, it wasn't his initial plan. He moved to Kentucky to work for the Bengals but need a second source of income in the offseason.

"I was working with the (Houston) Astros and Texans back home, and I transferred up to work with the Bengals," he said. "They're still seasonal, so I (looked) for another job ... (I) ended up at a catering company for four years. I got my first food truck and said, 'See you later, everybody.'" 

Now, he’s had his food truck for more than a decade.

Event organizer Ben Howard said this year marked the third annual The Real Taco Fest, giving business owners from both sides of the river an opportunity to share their take on tacos.

"We have vendors that are as far north as Mason, Ohio, and then as far south as Florence," Howard said. "We have the ability to centralize this and have communities being brought together from a vast miles-difference apart.”

Northern Kentucky resident Becky Bogen said she attended the event with her family to support local businesses and enjoy food from multiple areas. 

"We normally don't get to eat from the trucks, trying new places, places that we could support in the future," Bogen said. 

Garcia said the best part of the event was the people.

"We're always excited to come back," he said. "It's always a good time here."