Photo Credit: River Forest Park District
The smell of chicken carnitas, wood-fired pizza, and kettle corn wafting through the air may be all you need to sound the dinner bell and welcome patrons to a food truck rally, but combine it with a community purpose and it packs a punch—and a new revenue stream.
In taking advantage of a recent trend, parks and rec agencies across the country are finding success in hosting food truck festivals. For most, the basic components are the same—food trucks, a beer tent, live music, and perhaps some additional entertainment, such as inflatables for kids, demonstrations, or other vendors.
But some are taking it to the next level and adding a fundraising element or other community-guided effort. Here’s a look at some successful programs: