Hundreds gathered at Hardesty Park Saturday to kick off the Labor Day weekend festivities during the Akron Food Truck Festival despite the gloomy weather.
A total of 36 food vendors were at the park, each playing their own music as people came up to their trucks and picked from multiple food options.
Offerings ranged from barbecue to smoothies to international dishes.
A live band greeted everyone as people were coming to the lawn. Many people brought their kids and pets to enjoy the fun together. The Humane Society of Summit County brought some. furry friends as well.
"It's nice to be able to come out and enjoy food with the family," said said Eilis Sidwell of Akron, who was at the food truck festival with her husband and their two daughters. "We plan to come back next year."
The headline entertainment was Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip in a tribute to the '80s. Morris is also co-owner of the food truck Smokin' Rock n' Roll.
The event started over Labor Day weekend last year with 25 food trucks as well as local makers (non-food vendors) at the park.
Who was my standout food truck?
Rak's BBQ a Texas-Ohio inspired food truck that is owned by the Sage brothers won in my book. Not only did they stand out by their huge barbecue pit with smoke coming out, but the brothers dressed in traditional southern clothing.
"What makes us different than other places are that we use cherry wood to cook our food, we have the food cook for 18 hours in there," said Rusty Sage, "it makes the food taste better."
The brothers are Akron natives who used to live in San Antonio, Texas, before moving back. Kris Sage thought of the idea to start a food truck with their food roots tying back to Texas barbecue.
I tried their three-rack ribs with a side of greens and the smell of them grabbed the attention of people nearby. It had this coo -smoke flavor to it and it definitely had a lot of meat.
The festival continues until 8 p.m. Saturday at 1615 W. Market St.
Here's the complete food truck list:
Akron/Summit County:
● Best Damn Smoked Meats of Akron. Brisket, pulled pork, more.
● Thai It Up of Akron. Authentic Thai food.
● Johnny Lotes of Akron. Latin street corn.
● D-Bo's Grill of Akron. Brisket, pulled pork.
● American Chuck Wagon of Akron. Burgers, subs, fries, onion rings, tots.
● A Movable Feast of Akron. An elevated blend of global flavors and local ingredients.
● Raks BBQ of Akron. Texas-style barbecue.
● Taco Veloz of Akron. Tacos, quesadillas, bowls and burritos.
● Big Deal Whitfield of Akron. Creole and soul food.
● Henry's Creamery of Bath. Artisanal ice cream.
● Southern Thangs Grub Truck of Copley. Po' boys, shrimp skewers, gator bites.
● Wholly Frijoles of Cuyahoga Falls. Authentic Mexican street food.
● Metropolis Popcorn of Cuyahoga Falls. Gourmet popcorn.
● Dr. Hibachi Food Truck of Cuyahoga Falls. Hibachi entrees.
● Birdies of Cuyahoga Falls. Unique burgers, chicken sandwiches, appetizers, skewers, Stoner Bowl.
● Cafe Arnone of Fairlawn. Italian espresso, artisanal gelato.
● The Eccentric Panda of Norton. Tropical Asian fusion.
● Ravencrest Pizza Co., Summit County. Specialty pizza by the slice.
Cleveland:
● Betty's Bombass Burgers of Cleveland. Gourmet burgers and homemade cheesy tots.
● Smash Time Food Truck, Cleveland. Tacos, burgers, fries, more.
● Hatfield's Goode Grub of Cleveland. Southern comfort food.
● River Dog Food Truck of Cleveland. Burgers, dogs, chicken, sausages.
● Smooth Rider Smoothies of Cleveland. Premium smoothies.
● Cheesy Dave's of Cleveland. Gourmet mac and cheese, burgers, sandwiches, sides.
● Off the GRIDdle of Cleveland. Pulled pork, pulled chicken sandwiches.
● CLE Cookie Dough Co. Edible cookie dough.
Cuyahoga County:
● Smokin' Rock n' Roll of Bay Village. Barbecue with a rock and roll-themed menu.
● Manna Food Truck of Rocky River. Lobster rolls, sandwiches, burgers, more.
Lake County:
● Rabbit Food of Fairport Harbor. Vegetarian/vegan food with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce.
● Smoke This of Willoughby Hills. Craft pit barbecue and catering.
Medina County:
● Cookery Food Truck of Wadsworth. Wraps, salads, tacos, bowls, sides and desserts.
Stark County:
● OG Street Eatz of Canton. Cheesesteaks, barbecue, sandwiches, sides.
● The Howlin' Bird of North Canton. Rotisserie chicken, chicken tenders.
● Uncle Bacon's BBQ of North Canton. All things barbecue.
Chain restaurant/food trucks
● Kona Ice. Flavored shaved ice.
● Original Steaks and Hoagies. Philly cheesesteaks, Italian specialty sandwiches.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Food Truck Festival features barbecue, burgers, music and more
