Trucking in taste: Fort Smith Downtown Business Association to host Food Truck Festival on June 22 | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FORT SMITH — A diverse array of foods are expected to line downtown Fort Smith next weekend.

The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association and Bar & Restaurant Committee are hosting their first Food Truck Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The festival will be held in the parking lot across from First National Bank at Sixth Street and Garrison Avenue. It currently has 11 vendors including Kona Ice of 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.

The event will “ignite downtown with a gastronomic extravaganza unlike any other,” according to a press release from the association.

“A diverse array of food trucks will converge, offering an eclectic fusion of flavors that celebrate the city’s rich culinary tapestry,” the release states. “From savory delights to sweet indulgences, there’s sure to be something to satisfy every palate.”

Beth Lingar, who operates the Beaver Tails truck with her husband, Greg, said they come back to Fort Smith every chance they get because the people are so generous.

“When we opened eight years ago, we knew we couldn’t wait for the people to come to us, so we decided to bring our product to the people,” she said. “We have traveled in and around Northwest Arkansas to build our following, and we love food truck festivals. Having several types of food in one spot makes food truck festivals a great opportunity for families and friends to sample different cuisines from all over. We love being able to meet new people and connect with long-time followers.”

Food trucks are some of the best performing segments in the broader food service sector, according to the website of IBIS World, a global industry research firm. National revenues are expected to grow from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $2.4 billion by 2028, the website states.

The festival will also have music from Big Al and the Blues Cats. Hanna Oil & Gas, Choctaw Casinos and First National Bank of Fort Smith are sponsoring the event.

Stephanie Nugent, director of the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association, said proceeds from the event will go toward the organization’s Oktoberfest event in the fall, which regularly sees roughly 1,500 people.

Van Buren started a Summer Street Eats Food Truck Festival in 2022, which was held June 8.

Joy Holman, vice president of Van Buren’s Old Town Merchants Association, said last weekend’s event had some hot weather this year, but the food truck merchants were excited to participate.

“We decided to start this event because there was not one like it in the area and I think it’s a great way for local food trucks to advertise their menus,” she said.

The association’s mission is to develop and promote the downtown Fort Smith area as a culmination of services, shopping, entertainment, dining, history and values of tradition within the community, according to the association’s website. It meets most months on the third Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cooler Room at The Bakery District.