The Food Truck and Cart Festival debuted with a bang last summer. An estimated 12,000 people descended upon Columbus Commons, overwhelming the food trucks with long lines and leaving some attendees hungry.
“We learned from our mistakes last year,” says event organizer Mike Gallicchio. “We have more vendors, longer hours and more beverage stations.”
Over 40 food trucks and carts (compared to last year’s 25) will be on hand Friday, July 13th starting at Noon to feed Downtown lunchtime crowds. In addition to the food trucks and carts, local crafters will have a market place set up, there will be kids activities, cornhole, bocci ball, live music and other family friendly activities throughout the day.
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One big draw at last year’s event was the inclusion of food trucks from outside Columbus that are rarely present in the region. That aspect has returned in 2012, and food trucks from Dayton, Athens, Toledo, Cincinnati and Cleveland will all be present at the festival.
In addition to all of the accommodations made for a larger capacity, Gallichio is also expecting a smaller turnout in 2012, stating that 2011 was a unique point in the “food truck craze” and the event happened at the exact right moment in time. Dozens of smaller food truck events, festivals and gatherings have occurred since last year’s big event, diluting some of the big buzz this second time around.
“This year our focus is all about creating a smooth running and safe event and our focus is on the food trucks and carts and promoting them,” he said. “We are a food truck fest, not a ‘lets all wait in long lines’ fest!”
The Columbus Food Truck & Cart Festival takes place Friday, July 13th from Noon to 10pm at Columbus Commons.
More information can be found online at www.columbusfoodtruckfest.com.