Food Truck Festival makes summer fun

Yash Chitrakar

More than 40 food trucks were lined up June 3 near the Kansas Statehouse for the third Capital City Family and Food Truck Festival.

Visit Topeka Inc. organized the event which lasted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks attended from multiple states including Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

As soon as people entered, they were greeted by a bounce house, which was a first impression of the summer vibe the event gave off. The food trucks all provided a wide variety of food fit for the summer accordingly.

One of the food trucks, Breaking Traditions, was a hand-craft bakery serving scones, croissants and rolls made by following traditional family recipes. Another, Dry Creek Buffalo Co. Chuck Wagon attracted a sizable line of people with their savory burgers, bison meat and other delicacies.

To help visitors combat the summer heat, trucks like Kona Ice and Polar Oasis served lemonade, shaved ice, ice-cream and other heat-battling food and drinks. AttendeesĀ also had access to a small misting station set up at SW 10th Avenue, while some took refuge in the shades of the trees in the expansive statehouse premises. Some chose to brave the sun, as they laid picnic blankets on the grass. Others took to the tables set up in the middle of the street.

While the trucks were the center of attraction, there were other attractions that contributed to an enjoyable atmosphere. Vendors who sold summer floral dresses, hand-made bags and other accessories waited across the street from the food trucks.

There were organizations that promoted themselves as well, handing out brochures and inviting people to sign up. The event also hosted a stage for live music performances by Bryton Stoll and Blazing Mojo.

The Kansas Statehouse invited attendees inside during the event. Some visitors took guided tours to the top, while others stayed below to admire the architecture and art.

This year’s festival featured more food trucks than in previous years. The event introduced the idea of having the food trucks provide $2 to $3 samples as a way to allow for a higher variety of food to be tasted.

There were other events and activities happening parallel to the festival that people could participate in: The Mulvane Art Fair, The Farmer’s Market and The Capitol Tour, among others.

“This year’s festival is definitely better than the one I went to,” said Todd McFall, an attendee at the first Food Truck Festival. “There are more trucks. The atmosphere is nice. The streets are bigger so it’s easier to move around. Gage Park had narrow streets, which meant they were congested. I hope they continue to do this because it is a great way to meet people and to break the summer lull.”