Returning favorites, numerous newcomers and a chance to enjoy a number of foods will await visitors at the third annual Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition.
The event, offering a $10,000 grand prize, will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in Veteran’s Park.
Building off the success of the first two competitions could make this year’s the best experience yet, said Bill Brougher, food truck committee chair.
There will be 35 food trucks competing, including 12 returnees from previous years and 19 first-timers.
“We’re being a little more selective with who we invite to stick with our gourmet theme,” Brougher said.
The 2015 competition winner, Mojo Tago, will be among the returning vendors.
Others range from Hawaiian-street food from Aloha Streatery to Japanese classics from Ramen Rickshaw to gourmet sandwiches from the Wicked Wich of Dayton. More competitors include Asian Persuasion with Filipino and Thai food, Raging Bull Wood Fired Pizza, Texas Joe Tex Mex and SugarSnap! with gourmet desserts.
The popular Firehouse Crab Balls from Maryland also will return.
Four more vendors will be added. A Rotary committee is going through applications and will announce the selections through social media.
With more than 10,000 people expected to attend, the decision to put all the food trucks on one side of the road in the park last year led to less congestion, and fewer trucks will alleviate this even more in 2016, according to Brougher.
Also having electric for the trucks and refrigeration needs met has helped.
Along with the food choices, a variety of beverages and live entertainment will complement the event. The Rotarians will also be out in full force.
“You’re going to have 80-plus energetic, enthusiastic Rotarians making sure needs are met,” Brougher said.
Funds raised go to the Springfield Rotary Club’s charitable causes, including Services to People with Disabilities, Polio Plus and the International Project, which serves people in Lesotho, Africa.
To see the food trucks participating or for more information on the event, go to www.springfieldfoodtruck.com.
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