Food truck festivals return, bigger than ever

Published 10:15 am Saturday, March 30, 2024

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Another year, another round of food truck festivals. After the popularity of Food Truck Fridays put on by LaFayette Mainstreet last year, the organization brought the events back in time for spring. 

On Friday, over 20 food trucks bordered the courthouse in LaFayette’s square. From Brazilian cuisine to Southern barbeque, there was something for everyone. Attendees enjoyed the food while watching a live music performance by locals Autumn Sanders and Luke Hill.

“LaFayette has a great sense of community and togetherness. So people like to come out and visit… have that camaraderie and fellowship, visit and have fun with one another,” said DeAnna Hand, director of LaFayette Mainstreet. “Plus it gives people a wider variety of food.”

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In celebration of the Easter holiday on Sunday, the Easter bunny made an appearance to take photos with the kids. There was also an egg hunt, which had swarms of local kids running around the square. Some eggs were hidden inside the open downtown businesses, further encouraging people to shop locally. 

“Our local businesses, especially downtown, have said our food truck festivals have been their best business days,” Hand said. 

The idea for the festival is to encourage people to shop locally. Not only were many of the food trucks from the area, but shops around the square were open for people to browse and shop. 

LaFayette Mainstreet is a non-profit organization, funded through membership and grants. Hand suggests locals get the $5 membership as a way to support the events Main Street puts on. 

The food truck fests are no cost to put on, said Hand. She said Friday’s festival had the most food trucks yet, with 22 in attendance. Hand said she has gotten many of them asking to be a part of future festivals as well. 

There were also around 20 volunteers helping put on the event. The city volunteers to help block of the square, set up and clean after the festivals finish. 

“I cannot thank them enough. There’s no way this would be possible without some of our volunteers,” Hand said. “We’re very grateful for that partnership with all of us.”

As for what is next for LaFayette Mainstreet, Hand said they are planning a cornhole tournament around Memorial Day.