FORT SMITH — A wide variety of food will be available in downtown Fort Smith next weekend.
The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association and Bar & Restaurant Committee will host their first ever Food Truck Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The festival takes place in the parking lot across from First National Bank at the intersection of 6th Street and Garrison Avenue, and currently features 11 vendors, including Kona Ice from Fort Smith, The Bougie Lemon, Beaver Tails Mobile Fayetteville, Lucky's Mini Donuts, Jarabes Tapatios, Country Snow, Smoky B's BBQ, Wing Kraze, Brew House, Bella's Boba and Mackey's Catfish.
According to a press release from the association, the event will “enliven downtown with a one-of-a-kind gourmet celebration.”
“A diverse array of food trucks will be coming together to offer an eclectic fusion of flavors that celebrate the city's rich culinary culture,” the release states. “From savory to sweet, there's sure to be something to satisfy every palate.”
Beth Ringer, who drives BeaverTales trucks with her husband, Greg, said the people of Fort Smith are so generous that they always return whenever they have the chance.
“When we opened eight years ago, we knew we couldn't wait for customers to come, so we decided to get our product to the people,” she says. “We've traveled all over Northwest Arkansas and beyond to grow our following, and we love food truck festivals. With so many different types of food in one location, food truck festivals are a great way for family and friends to sample a variety of cuisines. We love meeting new people and connecting with longtime fans.”
Food trucks are one of the best-performing segments of the overall foodservice industry, according to the website of global industry research firm IBISWorld, which predicts that domestic revenues will grow from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $2.4 billion by 2028.
The festival also features music from Big Al and the Blues Cats. Hanna Oil & Gas, Choctaw Casino and First National Bank of Fort Smith are sponsors of the event.
Stephanie Nugent, board president of the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association, said proceeds from the event will benefit the association's fall Oktoberfest event, which attracts about 1,500 people each year.
Van Buren launched its 2022 Summer Street Eats Food Truck Festival on June 8th.
Joy Holman, vice president of the Old Town Merchants Association in Van Buren, said last weekend's event was held in hot weather this year, but food truck vendors were excited to participate.
“We decided to start this event because there weren't any events like this in the area and we thought it would be a great way for local food trucks to promote their menus,” she said.
According to the association's website, the association's mission is to develop and promote Fort Smith's downtown district as a conglomerate of services, shopping, entertainment, dining, history and tradition values within the community. The association meets on the third Wednesday of most months from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cooler Room in the Bakery District.
