SWEDESBORO — On a very hot and humid Thursday night on June 28, with the threat of rain looming throughout the evening, the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee hosted the first of three Food Truck Thursday events.
Once again, thousands came out to join neighbors and friends for a tapas style dinner where everyone seems to share the dishes they purchased. The events are free to attend.
The next event is set for Aug. 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Swedesboro Auction Park.
This event started last year as sort of an old-school block party, in the hopes that good food and great company, paired with a bit of background music and a few lawn games, was enough to bring together the community. For the first event, there were about 16 trucks in total, each featuring different types of cuisines.
That first year it was difficult to get vendors to participate and have faith in the strength of this community. By the third event last year, over 40 vendors were vying to secure a spot.
This year, Swedesboro has over 80 vendors wanting to spotlight their special dishes. Word has spread quickly as to how fantastic this event is and the calls and emails continue to pour in from as far as Lancaster, New York and Delaware.
Demand within the community has continued to grow the event, and, although some of the regular vendors who will always be invited due to popular demand will attend, each month will feature different vendors and beverage options.
Food choices for the July 26 event will include approximately 15 savory trucks, including Mexican, Italian, BBQ with some well-known restaurants participating. Sweet trucks will include fried ice cream, bubble teas and iced coffees, chocolate covered waffles and specialty tropical water ices.
There will also be adult beverages in the way of a beer garden and winery as well as a fresh squeezed lemonade truck where you can add unique purees to liven up your taste buds.
The Economic Development Committee has, since last year, purchased more lawn games, tables, chairs and tents to keep everyone comfortable. VisitSouthJersey.com once again blessed us with their presence and participation. They have a table set up with brochures available that announce interesting facts, events and historic sites in South Jersey. Please stop by their table and grab one of the informative brochures.