GREENVILLE – There are 23 weeks until euphoria fills Greenville for the 19th year, and though it’s shy of the two-decade mark, this year’s event has some big news.
For one, this year’s event has the most events ever, 66, and the festival’s philanthropic arm also donated the largest sum ever, $103,640.95.
Oh, and there is Emeril.
Famed celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse will cook alongside his son, EJ Lagasse, and Michelin-star chef Ryan Ratino on Friday, Sept. 20, at what promises to be a pretty memorable experience.
Speaking of Michelin-star chefs, there are six this year and four Michelin-star dinners.
But euphoria has always been about more than the glitzy and the celebrity, which is why it’s notable that the festival has over 135 chefs participating both from the Upstate, from around South Carolina and around the country.
“I truly think there is something for everyone, and that’s what makes it so fun,” said Morgan Allen, euphoria executive director. “There is so much diversity in cuisine and topics this year that I’m really excited about it.”
But perhaps larger proof of euphoria’s evolution in nearly two decades is the impact beyond the festival. This year’s donation to eight local non-profits is notable not just for the amount given but for the work each one does.
While euphoria has always focused its giving on arts and culinary and food programs, the pandemic changed a lot, including the role of food festivals that rely on the generosity and hard work of local chefs and restaurants. This year, euphoria expanded its philanthropy reach further to help the hospitality industry itself.
The Giving Kitchen received $18,000 for its work to support industry workers with financial assistance for medical or other crises. The Southern Smoke Foundation received $10,000 for its work on mental health support.
It’s a furthering of euphoria’s original mission, Allen said.
“I think we are just really coming full circle in our mission more than we ever have coming on the cusp of the 20th anniversary,” Allen said.
Moving forward, Allen is eager to continue pushing to create a memorable festival experience that has impact beyond four days in September.
The 19th euphoria festival takes place Sept. 19 – 22 in locations around Greenville. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit https://euphoriagreenville.com.