The Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival returns for free family fun
Mark Marietta/Observer-Reporter
It’s that time again – the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival is rolling back into the region.
An Observer-Reporter event, it will happen at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in North Strabane, kicking off on Friday and continuing until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The ninth year of the event
The free event launched in 2016, according to Carole DeAngelo, advertising director at the Observer-Reporter. The first year attracted 20 food trucks and lasted only two days.
“It was rather small compared to the 51 trucks and 53 vendors we have now,” said DeAngelo. The festival has also been expanded from two to three days, making it the largest food truck festival in the region, drawing trucks not only from Pennsylvania, but also from West Virginia, Ohio and New York. Music will also be among the live entertainment, with four bands performing on Saturday and three on Sunday.
Vendors lucky enough to nab a spot are more than likely counting their blessings. “We’re not interested in expanding-we’d like to keep it this size,” said DeAngelo, adding that additional 20 vendors are currently on the waiting list.
A family affair
There will be plenty of interactive fun for both kids and adults. “Friday night will feature live horse racing with wiener dog races in between,” said DeAngelo. Children will have the opportunity to meet princesses, be mesmerized by stilt walkers, take a turn at getting their faces painted and take part in family games.
Many visitors also come prepared to shop from an array of items like jewelry, apparel, gifts and more. Vintage Grace Boutique located in Washington has been with the festival since its exception. “I like participating in community events and engaging with people to get the word out,” said owner Becca Carl.
Bring your appetite
Among the returning vendors are Troy and Lori Hellen, owners of What’s Smokin’ BBQ, now entering their third year at the event.
“It’s a well-organized festival that draws a lot of people,” said Troy. The Waynesburg couple launched their food truck business during the pandemic after dreaming about it for 15 years. “We decided to take the leap while we were quarantined,” said Troy. With outdoor gatherings still permitted at the time, they were able to travel to nearby neighborhoods. “That catapulted us into 2021 and then the restrictions lifted,” he said.
The Hellens will be serving favorites like pulled pork, smoked macaroni and cheese and a new sandwich making its debut this year-the Smoked Brisket Philly. “It’s smoked brisket, grilled peppers, onions and white American cheese,” said Troy.
Marla Gibson will also be there with the Fat Cat Mac Attack Food Truck. The truck, now in its fourth year, gained recognition by winning the Best Mac and Cheese Award at Pittsburgh’s Mac and Cheese Festival.
For mac-and-cheese lovers, the menu is swoon-worthy. “We offer mac and cheese with 20 different toppings,” said Gibson. A fan favorite is the Crab Rangoon mac and cheese made with lump crab meat and topped with a sweet Thai chili cream cheese drizzle, crispy wontons and green onions. Another best seller is the Nashville hot chicken mac and cheese-grilled chicken marinated in a house-made sauce and topped with pickles and crunchy bread crumbs. For those who can’t make up their minds, a sampler plate will be available also.
DeAngelo is expecting another large crowd this year. “Hollywood at the Meadows has been a great partner. It’s safe, flat, with free parking and the casino has been amazing to work with. We’re also thankful for the sponsors who give back to our community. It’s an event we are super proud of,” she said.