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For this fourth go-round, attendees will have more choice when the competition returns 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Not only will local judges recognize the best food truck, attendees can have their say with a new People’s Choice Award.
Admission is free and the event will go on rain or shine.
“The patrons are the driving force and we’re empowering them with the People’s Choice Award they can vote for,” said Eddie Bell, food truck competition marketing committee chair.
The number of trucks participating is optimal for the park setting, according to Bell, and there’s a long waiting list for trucks to get involved because of how the participants are treated.
“We provide them with electricity, ice, water. And it doesn’t hurt to have a $10,000 grand prize,” Bell said. “This lets us attract more trucks, have better diversity and quality.”
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There will be 13 new trucks and 25 returning competitors, including the 2016 defending grand champion Tortilla Street Food and Mojo Tago, which won the first two competitions.
Last year the event faced a midday downpour and intermittent showers afterward. But it resulted in kids splashing in the puddles and didn’t really keep the attendance numbers down, Bell said.
“We learned people love food trucks because they stayed down there,” he said.
Bell encourages anyone interested in attending to download the event’s app by going to www.springfieldfoodtruck.com. The app provides live updates, a map of the grounds, voting and more.
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“With our app, we can stay in communication and let people know it’s still going on,” Bell said. “We’ll do everything we can to deal with it if it happens.”
Other highlights will include live entertainment throughout the day on the Turner Pavilion stage. And another part of Springfield has been added as Mother Stewart’s Brewery craft beers will also be for sale in the beer garden alongside other beverages.
Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets to take in everything going on.
Springfield Rotary uses the proceeds raised from the event toward its charitable causes.
“This is a great community event, one everybody can look forward to and we try to make it the best we can,” Bell said.
HOW TO GO
What: Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition
Where: Veteran’s Park, 250 Cliff Park Rd., Springfield
When: Saturday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: free; food and beverages will be for sale
More info: www.springfieldfoodtruck.com
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