Just 10 or 15 years ago, if you spoke of a food truck, it may have conjured up the mental image of a job site and some bland food options. Now, food trucks have prescribed to an entirely different paradigm. You’ll encounter unique gourmet food trucks in almost every city you visit. From unique seafood dishes to artisan pizzas, the new generation of food trucks are aiming to impress with a diverse menu of dining options. Starting in 2011, Food Truck Festivals of America has been bringing these self-contained, high-end restaurants to people all over the country.
In just six short years, Food Truck Festivals of America has risen to the top of the food truck festival circuit. No matter which city you choose, you’ll be joining thousands of other families, couples, foodies and craft beer enthusiasts, looking to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. From April to November, they put on fun and entertaining festivals all over America. From New Mexico to Rhode Island, they have you covered with gourmet food, tasty drinks and a great overall experience. No matter how many times to attend or which city you catch up with the Food Truck Festivals of America, you’ll be treated to at least 25 different food trucks. It’s not only about the food; it's a beerfest as well, with at least 50 local and national craft beers to enjoy at each stop!
Even though there is beer at the festival, that doesn't mean it's adults-only. Obviously, you’ll need to have proper ID and be 21+ to drink, but there are some great things here for families as well. Live music will be performed during the events as well as face painting for the kids. Don't forget some of the truck have tasty desserts as well. We got the chance to interview Janet Prensky, Spokesperson for Food Truck Festivals of America, to talk about this unique event.
RAL: Where will your festivals be located this year?
JP: Food Truck Festivals of America is producing eleven food truck and craft beer festivals in the U.S. in 2016.
The South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – April 30 in Columbia, SC
The Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – May 4 in Syracuse, NY
The Worcester Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – June 4 in Worcester, MA
The Providence Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – August 6 in Providence, RI
The Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – August 30 in Falmouth, MA
The Vegetarian/Vegan Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – September 10 in Watertown, MA
The Quincy Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – September 17 in Quincy, MA
The New Hampshire Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – October 2 in Portsmouth, NH
The North Shore Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival -- October 15 in Stoneham, MA
The Wachusett Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – November 12 in Westminster, MA
All the events feature 25+ of the area’s best food trucks and 50+ local and national craft beers, all in one place for a fun day of eating, drinking, and eating and drinking some more!
RAL: Give me a little background information about the attendees.
JP: Food Truck Festivals first fest was in 2011 at The Pinehills community in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Each festival draws approximately 5,000 people.
The festivals have a strong millennial demographic, but we also attract a large amount of families. Children 12 and under are free to attend our events (they of course pay for any food and beverage, but admission is free) and, as a result, we get a nice mix of young people and young families.
RAL: What makes your festivals unique?
JP: By combining two of the hottest culinary trends (food trucks and craft beer) we offer the best of both worlds. We bring our festivals to cities and areas that have a solid food truck and craft beer community, but rarely get the opportunity to have so many of each in one place at one time.
RAL: Take me through a typical day at the event.
JP: The main activities are centered around eating and drinking! We also have music and face painting for the kids.
For dining it's all about the gourmet food from the trucks. We have everything including fall off the rib BBQ, grilled cheese, avocado and bacon sandwiches, Asian dumplings, and homemade ice cream. We truly have everything under the sun (and then some)!
RAL: What do the festivals mean to the communities that host them?
JP: A lot. We get calls from communities throughout the country asking us to come and bring a festival to them. The festival gets a lot of attention from the surrounding regions and a lot of publicity from the media. This is always a good thing for the towns we’re visiting. The residents love it and take great pride that the festival has come to their community.
RAL: Do your festivals boost the local economies of the cities you visit?
JP: Absolutely. When our festival staff and 5,000+ patrons are in the community, many stay and enjoy shopping, sightseeing, dining at restaurants and visiting local attractions. Our festivals also support the police, fire, and EMT’s in the town as we hire locally for each event.
RAL: Do you support any special causes?
JP: We have a local food bank at each of our festivals and ask that attendees bring cans and non-perishables to help the hungry in their community.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JP: We are the only touring Food Truck & Craft Beer Festivals in America. You will not experience anything like it!
For more information about the Food Truck Festivals of America, please visit their website.