NEW HANOVER COUNTY—This Sunday could be the biggest gathering of food trucks in the southeast. The Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County is set to return to Odgen Park with its ninth Food Truck Rodeo.
When the semiannual event first launched in 2014, the Parks Conservancy booked six trucks for its inaugural rodeo. This time around, the Conservancy has 27 food trucks booked and two vendors.
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“Right now we’ve got 27, which is a lot more than we expected when we first started the event,” Jodi Rich said.
Rich is the program coordinator for New Hanover County Parks and Gardens. She said this spring’s event is the biggest gathering of food trucks in the southeast.
“As far as on the coast it’s definitely the biggest that we can find,” Rich said.
Every spring and fall, the Conservancy hosts the event to benefit improvements and additions to the county’s public parks. All 29 vendors have agreed to donate 10 percent of their profits toward Conservancy efforts.
The cover band Boba Funk will bring the grooves while guests get a taste of what’s around. Each year, Rich said the event attracts thousands of visitors.
“Usually the spring one is our busy one,” Rich said. “We can expect a couple thousand people.”
The Food Truck Rodeo will be a chance for people to consume alcohol on park grounds – something that’s typically only permitted for special events.
“There’s certain circumstances that we allow it,” Rich said. “You can’t just take your cooler full of beer.”
Fermental and Noni Bacca Winery, the only non-food truck vendors, will keep guests in good spirits.
Local favorites including Port City Que, Vittles, Momma Rocks and P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille will be on the scene. Raleigh food trucks, including Las Gringas Tacos and an all-vegan truck, I Really Mean It, are expected to roll in as well.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy the event Sunday, April 29 from noon until 5 p.m.Check out the Facebook event for more information.
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Johanna Ferebee can be reached at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or @j__ferebee on Twitter
