euphoria presented by Lexus, in partnership with VisitGreenvilleSC, will be hosting the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) Awards this fall. AFJ is a professional organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating responsible food journalism across media platforms.

“We are beyond excited about this, as it is a great opportunity to host dozens of the country’s top food journalists during our festival,” says Morgan Allen, Executive Director of euphoria. “This aligns perfectly with our mission to shine a spotlight on Greenville’s thriving culinary scene.”

"We are honored to welcome the AFJ to Yeah, THAT Greenville in 2019,” says David Montgomery, Vice President of Sales for VisitGreenvilleSC. “Hosting this group of the country’s most respected food journalists during euphoria is the perfect opportunity to showcase Greenville’s buzzing and inventive culinary scene.”

euphoria will work with several of its valued community partners to provide programming for these journalists while they’re in town. They will also be invited to stay for euphoria and spend the weekend exploring Greenville and all it has to offer.

“Food writers always look forward to euphoria, and we’re thrilled to give them another reason to put the festival on their calendars,” says Hanna Raskin, AFJ president and food editor of The Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C. “Just like euphoria, AFJ is committed to recognizing and celebrating people who have demonstrated creativity, excellence and integrity in their craft.”

The AFJ Awards will take place from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Avenue. The association will be giving out awards in 16 categories, including best audio food journalism; best food business story; best story on food policy; best restaurant criticism; best food coverage; best special food project; and others. Entries are now being accepted to the 2019 AFJ Awards Competition. The contest is open to all journalists. First-place winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $300. The deadline for submissions is March 4, 2019.

euphoria presented by Lexus is a highly-anticipated four-day food, wine and music festival held every September. The weekend-long event includes exclusive tastings, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners, appearances from celebrity chefs and live musical performances. euphoria’s mission is to shine a spotlight on Greenville’s thriving culinary and music arts scene, while also raising money to give back to the community. Proceeds from euphoria fund Local Boys Do Good, a 501 (c)(3) created to benefit local non-profit organizations. 2019 charitable partners include South Carolina School for the Deaf & the Blind, Greenville Tech Foundation and Legacy Early College. www.euphoriagreenville.com