By Rachel Gary
While this may not have been the first time food trucks have visited Springfield, the success of the inaugural Springfield Food Truck Festival demonstrated the town’s hunger for this type of event. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Springfield and Jonathan Dayton High School PTSO, the Festival, which included 15 food trucks, a live band, a basket auction, and a 50/50 raffle, attracted more than 2,200 attendees throughout the day and surpassed expectations in funds raised that will benefit both organizations.
Township residents and those from the surrounding towns flocked to the Jonathan Dayton High School to support the Rotary and JDHS PTSO, partake in some good food, and enjoy a nice day outdoors amongst friends. COVID-19 fatigue, virtual schooling, and overall lack of social interaction for the past 13 months contributed to the stellar turnout. The event, which was completely CDC-compliant, required attendees to have temperatures taken upon arrival, masks worn, and limited capacity within the gates. At times, the entrance line stretched from the high school’s back parking lot down to Mountain Avenue. However, the line moved quickly, and those waiting were very understanding. And while in line, there was the opportunity to participate in the high-end Basket Auction, which included Apple products, Tiffany jewelry, and more than $500 Gift Certificates to area restaurants as well as the 50/50 raffle (which ultimately paid out $1,435 to one lucky winner).
The food trucks offered cuisines to suit everyone’s tastes. Some trucks underestimated the support of the Springfield community, running out of some items towards the end of the afternoon, a further indication of the event’s success. Among the top items offered to attendees were hot dogs, shaved ice, pizza, ice cream, sliders, fries, sandwiches, empanadas, tamales, kettle corn, fresh lemonade, smoked meats, wings, kabobs, rice balls, fish & chips, brisket & pastrami, desserts, and so much more. While eating, Pale Horse, a Springfield hometown band who donated their services, entertained visitors. Between sets, a DJ kept the vibe going.
The Springfield Rotary Club and Jonathan Dayton HS PTSO shared the proceeds generated from the Springfield Food Truck Festival. The funds raised will be used towards scholarships, school-related programming, including senior class activities, and other neighborhood outreach. The Rotary Club of Springfield has been a proud supporter of Jonathan Dayton High School, providing generous annual scholarships to graduating seniors.
An event of this magnitude takes a significant amount of planning and would not be possible if not for a dedicated committee and volunteers. Many thanks to all of those involved in this first-time event, which included, but is not limited to: Co-Chairpersons of the event, Hope Rosenberg (VP, Springfield Rotary) and Rachel Gary (liaison for Dayton PTSO), Steve Wolcott (President, Dayton PTSO), Matt Clarke (Springfield BOE, Business Administrator/Board Secretary) and the entire Board of Education, Linda Donnelly (Springfield Township Clerk), Springfield Mayor Chris Weber (and the entire Township Council who were in attendance), Springfield DPW, Scott Seidel (Emergency Management Coordinator), Frank Applegate OEM Deputy Coordinator and the Springfield Auxiliary Police and CERT volunteers, Chief Cook (Springfield Police), Chief Palumbo (Springfield Fire), Apu Mullick, (COO, Springfield First Aid Squad and OEM Deputy Coordinator along with members of the Springfield First Aid Squad) and especially the over 100 Jonathan Dayton High School students and parent volunteers.
Springfield has shown its voracious appetite for events like the Springfield Food Truck Festival, so it is a safe bet that residents can expect bigger and better from the Rotary and the Jonathan Dayton PTSO for years to come.
