Fusion Fest sparks new beginnings for local food vendors in Michiana

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Around 100 food and craft vendors gather at Fusion Fest to share their styles and tastes. Fusion Fest is a weekend-long event that brings in over 35,000 people. 

For one vendor, Miranda Bueno, who owns M.E.X Snacks, this is her first time at Fusion Fest. Bueno began selling fruit cups just seven years ago out of a cooler. 

“It started at the Mishawaka Farmers Market in a pop-up tent selling fruit out of a cooler.”

Now she brings her fresh takes to one of South Bend's largest weekend-long events. Alongside her will be many family members and friends helping her provide to the large crowds.

Bueno says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It's one of those things where you're like, 'Man, but what if I don't succeed?' but you have the support system and having that support system is the biggest thing.”

Family has always been a huge factor in Bueno’s business. She says she normally has a couple of family members working with her but for this event there will be 10-15 people by her side. 

Starting with just tables and a tent, to now having a functional snack cart to help her better provide for the community. As she attends this event, she will be moving one step closer to achieving her dreams of owning a concession trailer.

Bueno states, “What if I can do this, and this is a successful food trailer, and not necessarily a food trailer because I don't do food, but a concession trailer. I hope to one day get that far.”

Bueno’s M.E.X Snacks Cart is hosted in the North American region of the festival. This festival is free for all who want to attend. 

For more information about the festival visit South Bend's website.