The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out, and exciting things are on the horizon for springtime in Woonsocket. Starting May 12th, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley in partnership with Food Trucks In will kick off the beautiful weather with a series of community building Food Truck Nights promising fun for the entire family. From 5pm-8pm on 5/12, 6/2, 7/7, and 8/4, all are welcomed to stop by 40 S. Main Street for the delectable dishes served by some of Rhode Island’s finest food trucks.
These events are family friendly. And while there is of course a cost for food and drinks, Market Square Food Truck Nights will provide free entertainment and activities for anyone who wants to stop to try their luck at life-sized jenga or see how long they can hula hoop while eating their favorite food truck creation.
Market Square Food Truck Nights are offered in partnership with Food Trucks In, a RI-based organization led by Eric Weiner with a national scope. With a mission of “helping food trucks and foodies connect at the intersection of small business, logistics, and great food!” Eric works to connect great people through great food through the power of social media.
Eric is passionate about food, but he also is excited to offer “free community events, that bring people out into town squares in ways they haven’t done in a long time.”
Food Trucks In collaborates to rotate over 45 trucks to communities all throughout the state so that residents everywhere have the opportunity to taste the authentic Chinese street food offered by Buddha Belly, the grilled goodness of Championship Melt, and the sweet and savory surprise that is O’Crepe. Woonsocket’s Market Square Food Truck Nights will begin with 8 trucks parked in the lots in front and behind the old Mulvey Building thanks to the support of the city council who agreed to allow a small portion of the parking lot in front of the building to be reserved for the events.
This concept had a soft launch this past weekend at the Poutine Competition hosted by the Museum of Work and Culture. During the event, restaurants competed for the title of Poutine Champion. Wouldn’t you know, it was a food truck, Friskie Fries out of Johnson Rhode Island who took home the title of Judges Favorite. Proof that some pretty delicious things can come from trucks.
Eric from Food Trucks In reports that “people typically attend the event over and over again. They want to try food from different trucks. While they are in different communities they also learn about other businesses and stay to check them out or make plans to return to visit the business on a future visit.”
We at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley hope that Food Truck Fridays serves as a catalyst. We have great local establishments here in the city and by creating an initial buzz and a draw around something new, we believe that the longtime establishments will experience some new foot traffic and new customers.
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley has recently renovated the former Mulvey’s Hardware store into 6 affordable apartments, a soon to launch incubator kitchen, and a large event space and patio. Food Truck Fridays are just one of a number of arts-based activities planned to draw the community to Downtown Woonsocket, support local businesses, local artists, and increase activity on beautiful Main Street.
Future events include
- 2nd Annual Drums & Music of the Americas, 1-5pm Saturday, April 8th an afternoon of drumming led by Daryl Black Hawk Jamieson and the Eastern Medicine Singers.
- Saturday Markets, 12-4pm Saturdays, June through August. Farm fresh goods, quality hand crafted items, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
- Open Mic Nights, Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.
- Orange Party, Saturday, June 24, renowned artist Lynne Harlow culminates a month-long orange invasion with a community dance party with songs submitted by the community.
- Metta International Night Market, Saturday, August 18th, Vimala Phongsavanh lights up the district with culture and creativity from across the globe. The event with highlight food, artists, and dancers with an opportunity for all to join in the party.
These art’s-based events are made possible through the generous contribution of LISC Rhode Island and the Kresge Foundation. Artists, including musicians and performers, interested in collaborating on future events should reach out to Meghan Rego to discuss opportunities.