Airdronians’ favourite fresh-food feast is coming back to the city June 26, when the Airdrie Farmers Market (AFM) holds its Food Truck Frenzy at the Plainsmen Arena and Jensen Park from 3:30 to 9 p.m.
AFM Manager Candice Kolson said with offerings from 14 trucks, the available cuisine will be sure to whet people’s appetites.
“It’s not your typical drive-thru fanfare – it’s really unique, well-planned-out and thought-out meals,” she said. “I just like them because a lot of them do offer something really different, that you couldn’t get somewhere else as quickly as you can from a food truck.
“There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it, so these trucks are ready to serve people quickly. That’s their specialty and they do a good job.”
Now in its seventh year, Food Truck Frenzy kicked off in 2013, when six trucks served up their signature dishes to hungry attendees. According to Kolson, food trucks have gained even more popularity in the ensuing years.
“I don’t think we had that much choice to pull from when we ran our first frenzy, but now that food trucks have started to become the norm, there are an awful lot of different trucks that keep coming out with different kinds of food,” she said.
The event was an instant hit in Airdrie, she said, and has grown to include more trucks each year. Now, Food Truck Frenzy attracts anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 attendees per day, according to Kolson.
“We hear people talking about how they’d come all the way from Red Deer,” she said. “It’s great, because we have free parking, easy access. We have the construction going on this year, which is unfortunate, but for the most part, if people are patient, they’re going to find a place to park.”
Trucks on offer this year will include some fan favourites from previous renditions, including Waffles & Chix, The Family Fry Guy, Wilks Booth, Don Panino, Roadtisserie, The Dumpling Hero and more.
Kolson cautioned attendees to keep their dogs away from the trucks and open food, as per a requirement from Alberta Health Services.
“People are more than welcome to have them in the park, of course, but for the event itself, please do not bring dogs,” she said.
She also recommended attendees bring a picnic blanket, as seating is limited in Jensen Park, and possibly an umbrella to protect from rain or provide shade from the sun.
AFM’s second installment of Food Truck Frenzy this year will be held July 31.
“We always run them right before long weekends, so the Wednesday before the July long weekend and the Wednesday before the August long weekend,” Kolson said.
She added AFM is aiming to supply a beer garden for the second installment.
