By TRAVIS MORSE
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MOUNT VERNON – It was a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon, perfect summer weather for the United Way of South Central Illinois’ fourth annual Food Truck Festival.
The event featured over 15 food trucks set up along a stretch of Ninth Street in downtown Mount Vernon, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, live music, and a strong sense of community.
“It’s a great family event where the community comes together,” said Edwin Holtgrewe, who attended the festival with his wife Cheyenne and sons Jameson and Greyson. “I really like the togetherness that develops here.”
Food trucks on hand at the festival included Simplysoul, Chef Adam’s Food is Life, Holy Grounds Coffee, All Shook Up, The Green Pig, Crazy Asian Eats, Billy Bob’s BBQ, Sticky Fingers, 618 Freeze Dried Sweets & Treats , R&J’s Arctic Oasis, Taco Tuesday Everyday, Sabor Latino, El Ranch Tacos, The Flippin Crepe, Taco Jo’s and more.
Chef Adam Colon of Chef Adam’s Food is Life said festivals like Saturday’s are usually “really good” for business.
“The more trucks we have, the more people come,” Colon said.
Jorge Munoz of The Green Pig said it was his first time at the festival. The event, he said, had a lot of foot traffic and repeat customers who came back several times.
“So far everything is going well,” Munoz said of the event. “Everyone is very friendly.”
In addition to the food trucks, musician Terri Sullivan performed live music during Saturday’s celebration. There were also vendors selling a variety of unique products. Non-food vendors scheduled to perform included Paparazzi Consultant Jewelry, Happy Daisy Company, Sweet and Sassy Sublimation, GenX Tumblers, Graceful Designs Pet Accessories, Eileen’s Shop, K&R Crafts and more.
Kira Babb from Mount Vernon attended the Food Truck Festival with several friends. They particularly enjoyed The Green Pig’s “Smash Burgers.” She also praised the entire event.
“I love coming there,” Babb said of events like Saturday’s festival. “I get to try new things and get to know all the local businesses and small companies.”
Robert Jones of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, attended the Food Truck Festival on Saturday with his wife Navina and daughter Elizabeth. He grew up in Mount Vernon and wanted to show his youngest daughter the town he grew up in. Then they saw the Food Truck Festival was happening and decided to pay a visit.
“It’s great, that’s what this city is about,” Jones said.
United Way of South Central Illinois Executive Director Natalie Shook described the food truck festival as a celebration of community and togetherness. Proceeds from the event will support United Way initiatives to improve the quality of life in Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties by addressing key challenges in education, income and health, Shook said.
“Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to have a fun day with your loved ones, the Food Truck Festival is the place to be,” Shook previously said.
For more information, contact the United Way of South Central Illinois.
