 The new festival organizer anticipates about 450,000 people. It's free to get in. Cash card and contactless payment will be accepted this time. That's a change from last year when the former festival operator, Kirkland-based Check, rolled out an app-based payment system that was reportedly riddled with problems. Check sold the rights to Bite of Seattle to California-based event group Foodieland. The Bite began in Seattle in 1982. Amanda Factor, Northwest News Radio.