Thirty-two food trucks will roll into Veteran’s Park this Saturday, Aug. 19, for the 9th Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition. The must-taste event of the summer will offer flavorful dishes and mouth-watering desserts, as well as live entertainment, from 11 am to 7 pm.

“We take great pride in orchestrating this competition and knowing it’s a staple summer event not only for the local community, but for foodies from all over Ohio,” said Eddie Bell, president of Springfield Rotary. “We bring a phenomenal group of food trucks together all in one place each year for a great cause, having raised more than $300,000 for charity since the inception of this event.”

The event committee selects a unique variety of trucks from those that apply each year, resulting in a diverse spread of cuisines throughout the park’s path. Different food choices available this weekend include the American staples of BBQ, burgers, pizza, seafood and wings, to foods from around the world, such as African, Asian, Cajun, Greek, Polynesian, Indian and Italian.

Each truck will submit their best signature dish for a shot at the $5,000 grand prize. A $2,500 runner-up and $1,500 third-place winner will also be selected by a panel of local and celebrity judges. Judges for this year’s competition include:

● Jenn Disanto, Chef/Owner of Fresco by Chef Jenn Disanto (Dayton); and Executive Chef/Partner at SageCraft Catering (Kettering)

● Lisa Freeman, Chef/Owner of Crust & Company, Salato Deli, Le Torte Dolci and Ironworks Waffle Cafe (Springfield)

● Doug McGregor, Owner of Seasons Kitchen (Springfield)

● Armando Soto, Co-owner of Casa del Sabor (Springfield)

● Elizabeth Wiley, (Retired) Chef/Owner of Meadowlark Restaurant and Wheat Penny Oven and Bar (Dayton); and Partner of SageCraft Catering (Kettering)

All event attendees can also vote via the Springfield Food Truck mobile app for their favorite food truck to receive the $1,000 “People’s Choice” award. All winners will be announced on stage at approximately 4:45pm.

Live entertainment will provide the soundtrack throughout the event on the park’s amphitheater stage with four musical acts beginning at 11 am with Mike Manley and Katie Harford, followed throughout the day by Andy Fox, The Factory Line and Terrapin Moon.

While admission to the event is free, attendees can make donations to help support Springfield Rotary’s causes in-person and via the mobile app. A beer garden open throughout the event will feature craft beer from Springfield’s Mother Stewart’s Brewery, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light and White Claw. Water and a selection of soda will also be available.

“We encourage everybody to come early, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, stick around all day for the entertainment, and enjoy all the gourmet food the competition has to offer,” said Bell.