The rally will feature an array of items, including barbecue, wings, burgers, desserts and more. There also will be heart-healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Items are typically made to order. Vendors include The Italian Truck, Taco Oso and The Cheesecakery, among others. Urban Vistro, Remi J’s Barbecue, Bones Brothers Wings and The Mobile Cone are also set to return.
“Our food trucks tell us it’s one of their favorite events every year. We attract people from all over the tri-state area. People come out to see their favorite food trucks. … It’s just something that’s grown exponentially, and the crowd keeps growing every year,” said Kerry Hendel, vice president of the Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA) and food truck committee chair for the event. “We try to hit all facets of food.”
The all-day celebration will feature more than 40 different food trucks as well as beer, wine and soft drinks. With proceeds going back into community organizations, UCBMA sells beer and wine at the event on a cash-only basis, to cut down on credit card transaction fees. An ATM will be available on site. Many of the food trucks do accept credit/debit cards.
There’ll be live entertainment featuring Flying Underground from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Second Wind from 7:30 to close. There will also be a mix of recorded music and acoustic players throughout the day. Fireworks will begin at 10:30 p.m.
“Regarding entertainment, I am most looking forward to presenting original music with one of the area’s top indie bands — Flying Underground. This band has a rich history with the local and national music scene. I am also looking forward to having a great band as the headliner with West Chester roots — Second Wind. They have never had the opportunity to play festivals in their own backyard. It will be a great show,” said Thomas Kaper of TECServices, and entertainment coordinator for the event.
This year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Companions on a Journey Grief Support, Inc.
“We feel that Companions on a Journey does an amazing thing, because not only do they help adults, but they are really prevalent in schools, helping children with their grieving process. If you walk into any room, every single person has had to deal with the loss of life, and they are there for you to get through that. To us, that was very meaningful,” Hendel said.
The Union Centre Food Truck Rally is always held the second Friday in August. More than 250 volunteers help to put on the event.
“We love that it’s free, family-friendly, and it’s just something different for our community. We started this before there were a lot of food truck events, now they are all over the place, but we were one of the original ones to put something like this together and offer it to our community. … One of my favorite things that I get to see is all of my neighbors, and all of my friends having such a great time,” Hendel said.
HOW TO GO
What: Union Centre Food Truck Rally
When: Friday, Aug. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 10:30 p.m.
Where: West Chester Clock Tower and Square/The Square @ Union Centre, 9285 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester.
Cost: Free admission. Food and drink items are available for purchase.
More info: www.ucbma.com and at www.facebook.com/UnionCentreFoodTruckRally. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or a blanket. No coolers or outside alcohol permitted.
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