‘Tis the season for seasoning!

As such, the folks behind the inaugural Sabor Y Sazón Food Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Excellence, Music and Cultural Heritage, will be bringing their new concept to Orlando’s Festival Park this weekend, Dec. 14-15, from 2 – 10 p.m. Festival Park is located at 2911 E. Robinson St.

Event director Isaias Miranda says the party will bring together roughly 40 vendors featuring not only Latin food from all over the spectrum, but Asian, European, Jamaican and American offerings, as well.

“Food is the central part of the event,” Miranda told the Orlando Sentinel. “We wanted to focus on that and have lots of different varieties, but we’ll also have live music.”

Acts will include live bands performing a mix of Latin music — salsa, bachata, merengue and more — along with a small-business expo, vendors and makers selling handmade Latin-themed goods as well as rides and carnival games for the kids. There’s even a chance for local foodies to win $500.

“Both days, we’ll be doing a spicy hot dog contest,” Miranda said. “Guests will compete to be the first one to eat five really spicy hot dogs. There will be 2nd and 3rd prizes, too.”

Miranda said those interested can listen for the DJ to announce the contest at the festival. The first five people to sign up each day will be entered.

Orlando is a melting pot, says Miranda, very multicultural and, more important, appreciative of it.

“The point of Sabor Y Sazón is not only to bring out the Latin community to enjoy the culture they know, but also people who are not from the community to come out and experience the culture, enjoy good music, have the opportunity to try all the different foods in one place and have it be a nice way to spend part of the weekend.”

Orlando, in fact, is the prototype, he says. If successful, he would like to bring Sabor Y Sazón to other cities around the state.

Tickets ($10 general admission, $35 VIP, which includes 2-day entry and more) are available at saborysazonfest.com, Children 12 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds will support believen.org, a nonprofit dedicated to serving families going through medical crises.

amthompson@orlandosentinel.com