Food Truck Festival Held in Gardner
The Gardner Food Truck Festival was held on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Our photos do not show anywhere close to the 22 Food Trucks announced prior to the event. However, there were over 20 separate food vendors, some with smaller than a Food Truck presentation, further towards the Colonial Hotel and on City Hall Avenue. There appeared to be a couple of carnival trucks, a few merchandise vendors, and a beer tent. Gardner Magazine reached out to Woo Trucks for comment but have not heard back as of 9:42pm on Sunday July 14th when we posted this article.
For the first 6 years, the Gardner Food Truck Festival was managed by the City of Gardner. This is the first year the event was managed by WooTrucks. Last year, social media comments included requests for more seating including tables and chairs, and some form of shade from the sun. This year when we spent about 20 minutes at the event, we observed no provided seating (last year there was some near entertainment by City Hall). We did not see any provided shade for the public such as a tent. At just after 3pm, there was no music playing at the event.
Wootrucks Events Manager Robert Ziedelis responded with some information: “There is a “core attendance” that shows up with lawn chairs, picnic blankets and coolers and spend the day enjoying the festival with family and friends. Many stay until the Trucks stop serving and the band plays its last note….As far as seating goes, it was discussed with the City. They have not had chairs or seating in the 7 years that they have held the event. Regarding a tent/tents.. This was also discussed in initial planning of the event with the City….Wootrucks provided the 24 “Hi-Top” tables that were spread throughout the event….I was also curious about the entertainment schedule. The talent was contracted/provided by and paid for by by the City of Gardner. The singer/songwriter played from 3:45 PM to 7:00 PM with one brief break….22 Food Trucks were scheduled to attend. 20 actually attended.”