Ark Valley News - Event grows to meet demand

Event grows to meet demand
By The News staff
Last Updated: April 20, 2017

There has been a subtraction, an addition and a substitution for next week's Food Trucks on Main Street.

The event, which is presented by Main Street Valley Center, will be from 5 to 9 p.m. April 28 in the 200 block of West Main Street.

It will feature nine food trucks, family games and inflatables as well as face-painting, music and dancing. Food Trucks on Main Street will be similar to last fall's event, but with a few notable exceptions.

"There are more trucks this time," said Chris Strunk, president of Main Street Valley Center and publisher of The Ark Valley News.

That's the big one. The food trucks lined up for the event include The Food Guy (owned by Valley Center resident Ben Anderson), Gaga's Grub (owned by former Valley Center resident Dustin Presley), Lynn's Curbside Cookout, Sunflower Espresso, The Big Apple, Flying Stove, Funky Monkey Munchies, Hot-2-Trot Gourmet Hot Dogs and Big Chill Ice Cream. In addition, the Valley Center Lions Club will be selling bottled water.

Sunflower Espresso, The Food Guy, Flying Stove and Hot-2-Trot are new to the Valley Center event. Sunflower Espresso was invited recently when Main Street Valley Center learned that Breezy's had been closed, and its owners were looking to sell the operation.

Last year, the event had seven trucks, and many were overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, running out of food long before the night was over. Along with additional trucks, organizers have better prepared truck operators with more accurate crowd estimates.

"We really didn't know what to expect last time," Strunk said. "We're hoping folks who came in the fall will give it another try. There should be enough food to go around."

Besides the additional food, a couple of entertainment options have been added to this spring's event. First, Valley Center police officers are inviting youngsters to bring their bicycles to the event and go through the department's bike safety clinic. Cyclists will be able to ride through the obstacle course, and review safety gear and some of the laws when riding in town.

Another addition will be Troubles the Clown, who will be on hand to make balloon animals.

Games and activities are free. Meal prices are determined by each truck.