LAKEVILLE — The primary-ever Lakeville Meals Truck Pageant kicked off at midday on Saturday, July 12, and by 3 p.m., the doorway line nonetheless stretched into the parking subject at Angers Conway Farm.
Pageant organizer Anthony Pepe mentioned the turnout exceeded all expectations, as over a thousand folks filed in to pattern choices from meals vehicles and vendor stands that includes every part from cannolis and tacos to craft beers and alcohol-infused cigars.
“We by no means in our proper minds anticipated a crowd like this. Ever. That is most likely one of many largest crowds we’ve had in New England in a very long time. It’s implausible, the folks of Lakeville confirmed up in the present day,” Pepe mentioned.
The parking zone overflowed, and automobiles lined surrounding streets as attendees packed in to benefit from the choices from a number of dozen distributors.
“We’re getting crushed. We’re transferring quick, however we’re getting crushed. We’re cooking extra — that is the second or third time we’ve cooked,” mentioned Dennis Mahoney of The Sausage Man meals truck, as he labored a spatula over a flat prime grill full of onions, peppers and sausages.
Like many distributors on the pageant, The Sausage Man is a rising enterprise that serves its product throughout New England.
Throughout the occasion grounds on the Cape Cod Depraved Good Kettle Corn stand, Diana Paine stuffed giant baggage with salty and candy kettle corn. The Mattapoisett-based, family-run enterprise typically presents flavored choices, however on Saturday there have been simply “too many individuals” for it, Paine mentioned.
Close to the kettle corn station, Kevin and Kathy Grinnell served cannolis from Uncle Joey’s Cannoli meals truck to a protracted line of keen patrons.
Kevin Grinnell mentioned “Uncle Joey,” Joe Sidelinger, began the enterprise greater than 5 years in the past, working out of a single van. Now, the corporate has 4 meals vehicles and two vans — and continues to be rising.
“He travels throughout New England, typically all the way down to Delaware,” Grinnell mentioned.
As soon as attendees had their meals, drink or cigar, that they had a number of choices for actions. Hayrides commonly circled Angers Conway, whereas on the occasion grounds cornhole baggage flew, kids performed Join 4 and blew giant bubbles on the bubble station. Others selected to chill out within the shade close to the stage, the place music performed from giant audio system, or lounged in garden chairs by the pond.
Meals Truck Festivals of America started in Plymouth in 2011. Through the years, the corporate expanded and began “chasing the solar,” Pepe mentioned, internet hosting festivals throughout the nation.
He determined to attempt a pageant in Lakeville after stumbling throughout a Fb submit a couple of tractor pull hosted by Angers Conway earlier this 12 months.
“That is the primary 12 months we’re doing it right here, however we hope to come back again for the subsequent 10 years. That is spectacular. The persons are superior,” Pepe mentioned.
