Columbus Food Truck Festival back at county fairgrounds this weekend: What to know to go
Twelve years ago, Mike Gallicchio and Chas Kaplan saw the rising popularity of food trucks and just happened to know a lot of people who owned them.
"So, we put together a party at (Columbus) Commons and 10,000-15,000 people showed up," Gallicchio recalled. "They packed the joint and it took off from there. It's become way more than we ever expected."
Since Gallicchio and Kaplan's brainchild had skipped the crawling stage and hit the ground running, the "party," christened the Columbus Food Truck Festival, went from the Commons to the Scioto Mile, then, eventually, to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, where the mobile smorgasbord will return this weekend.
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Named Best Food Truck Festival in the state in Ohio magazine's "Best of Ohio" readers' poll published in January 2018, the Columbus Food Truck Festival isn't just about putting tasty food in mouths. It's also a way for Gallicchio and Kaplan to put their money where their mouths are by giving back to the community.
Since 2011, the organizers have donated more than $80,000 from the events' proceeds to local charities. This year's beneficiaries are the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and Music Loves Ohio, which provides opportunities for underserved central Ohio youth to pursue their passion for music.
"We've always been connected with Music Loves Ohio, and we've worked with the Ronald McDonald House for many years. It's a great charity," Gallicchio said. "Giving back is something we've always done. We're very honored that they choose us."
The festival will get underway Saturday morning, but before you put on your stretchy pants and strap on the feedbag, here are some details you should know if you plan to go.
When and where is Columbus Food Truck Festival?
The gathering of gourmet goodies will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Franklin County Fairgrounds are located at 4951 Northwest Parkway in Hilliard.
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How much is admission?
Tickets for those 13 and older are $5 when purchased in advance at columbusfoodtruckfest.com. At the gate, the price increases to $7. Children 12 and younger will be admitted for free, but they must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.
What's on the menu?
It would be easier to list what types of cuisine aren't on the festival's bill of fare! "We'll have every kind of food imaginable — Jamaican, African, sushi, gyros, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream," Gallicchio said.
"There will also be taco trucks, the best oxtail stew in the country, and great Mediterranean food. There's something for all palates."
Also, for folks with dietary concerns, more than two-thirds of the 52 food trucks will offer gluten-free options. Those with food allergies will want to ask individual vendors about ingredients and possible cross-contamination before ordering and eating.
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Will there be live music?
There sure will! Homegrown sounds will be the main course at the festival, with Columbus-area musicians filling the fairgrounds with more genres than you can shake an ice pop on a stick at. Over the weekend, 10 artists on two stages will play indie psychedelic pop, blues, funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, soul, country and other styles.
There's also a Grateful Dead tribute band, plus a group that learns and performs a different artist's album each month. At past gigs, they've covered works by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Shins, Radiohead, Thin Lizzy, Jeff Buckley and David Bowie, among others.
Is there anything new this year?
Gallicchio, who said shopping experiences have always been popular at the festival, expects the new vintage flea market to be well-received. The Columbus Vintage Exchange will feature "retro, rad and unique" items, according to its Instagram page.
In addition, Longbranch Bourbon will return with a new offering, its mobile Longbranch Ranch. Visitors to the "ranch" can relax and enjoy a classic neat pour or one of the brand's signature cocktails in a themed environment resembling the rustic hills of Texas.
And no, Matthew McConaughey won't be there. The actor has moved on from his partnership with Longbranch's parent company, Wild Turkey, where he served as spokesman and creative director.
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What's the parking situation at such a big event?
Onsite parking is first-come, first-served for attendees who have pre-purchased tickets online. Limited accessible parking also will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and vehicles must display a legal handicapped plate or placard.
For those buying tickets at the gate, parking will be available across the street from the fairgrounds or on nearby streets. Please remember to be on the lookout for signs stating whether or not street parking is permitted. Also, be aware that you may not be able to enter some streets as a courtesy to residents of Downtown Hilliard.
Should I expect traffic delays?
Gallicchio said there's no history of congestion around the fairgrounds during the Columbus Food Truck Festival, and he doesn't foresee any issues this weekend. "Hilliard does great job with traffic control. We've never had a problem with that," he said.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Unless there's an unexpected monsoon, the Columbus Food Truck Festival will go on, rain or shine!
What are some of the festival's rules?
There's plenty of seating at the festival, but you can bring blankets and collapsible camping chairs, as long as they aren't in bags. And speaking of bags, they may be subject to search. No backpacks or camel packs will be allowed.
Other things to leave at home: Coolers, outside beverages, weapons of any kind, and pets. Only properly licensed service animals with the appropriate paperwork will be permitted.
Additionally, smoking is not allowed inside any covered area with a roof or tent.
Where can I get schedules, maps and other info?
For live music schedules and maps including a layout of the festival grounds, plus other details, visit the event website at columbusfoodtruckfest.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about Columbus Food Truck Festival at county fairgrounds
