Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival: Still going strong after a decade
Part of the fun of Memorial Day is cooking out and spending time with friends and family.
But let’s face it – who wants to do that all weekend?
Instead, folks might want to consider packing up the family – and maybe a few friends, too – and heading to Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in North Strabane for the annual Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival from Friday through Sunday. One of the region’s premier summer events, the festival features a wide variety of food trucks, craft vendors, live music and family-friendly entertainment.
This year more than 50 food trucks will take part in the free festival.
A decade in the making
Carole DeAngelo, director of multi-market advertising and events for the Observer-Reporter and Herald-Standard, said the idea originated during a conversation with the team at what was then the Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
“We already had seen success working together on the Corks and Kegs Festival when the topic of a food truck festival came up. Back then it was a real leap of faith,” she said.
When approached with the idea, sponsors quickly expressed interest, vendors came on board and food truck proprietors signed up.
“It started small, with 20 food trucks, and was built on trust, collaboration and a shared belief that we could create something special for the community,” said DeAngelo.
A diverse selection
When it came to food, the team first focused on crowd-pleasing classics.
“We knew people liked pizza, hot dogs, Mexican and hibachi, but over time it grew into something much more diverse,” DeAngelo said.
Now, visitors to the festival will find a wide range of offerings, from international cuisine and seafood, to desserts, coffee and more.
“It’s become a reflection of how much the food truck scene has grown,” DeAngelo said.
Entertainment offerings have expanded as well.
“Family-friendly elements have grown from a small kids’ area to a full activity zone, and the vendor presence has evolved into a robust shopping experience,” DeAngelo said.
Taking part
Natalie Gatten of Hott Dawgs has been a food truck vendor since the event’s inception.
“An encounter with DeAngelo over a decade ago remains vividly etched in my mind. Her vision, which launched in a parking garage, has flourished into what it is today and it continues to grow,” Gatten said.
Gatten’s truck, which serves gourmet dogs with names like the All-American, the BLT and a popular footlong Corn Dog known as the “Sword Dog,” remain fan favorites.
“It’s a potent blend of excitement, joy and communal spirit,” said Gatten.
Looking ahead
When looking towards the future, DeAngelo isn’t resting on her laurels.
“We’re focused on continuing to grow the experience while staying true to what makes it special,” she said.
New this year is a large Ferris wheel, with free rides offered to attendees.
“It’s another way to give back and enhance the overall experience,” DeAngelo said.
Highlighting nonprofits also remains an important part of the festival.
“It’s always been about partnerships,” DeAngelo said.
DeAngelo emphasized that the festival’s success is a collaborative effort.
“Without the support of the Meadows, our sponsors and the people who show up year after year, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” she said. “The more energy, creativity and excitement we can bring to it, the better the experience will be.”
“But more than anything, I’m proud of the team behind it. They worked diligently together over time, to build something that continues to grow and thrive, and it wouldn’t have enjoyed a decade of success without such a group of dedicated people,” DeAngelo added.