Inaugural ‘Food Truck Festival’ Deemed A Success

Franklin Food Truck Festival organizers said they were thrilled with the turnout at the inaugural event. Photo: PJ Parker.

By PJ Parker.

The courtyard and grounds in front of Franklin High School June 9 were transformed into a street fair of food, festivities and fundraising as the first Franklin Food Truck Festival enjoyed perfect weather to benefit Franklin High School’s Project Graduation.

The event’s coordinators, Nick DiMeglio and Marisa Gallagher, said they were thrilled at the turnout.

“I am so excited to be partnering with Marisa, president of the FHS Booster Club, for this event, and also the Franklin Township Municipal Alliance and Franklin Township PBA 154,” DiMeglio said. “We are all working together for Project Graduation, a post-graduation event desgined to keep kids safe. No drinking, no drugs.”

This year’s food truck festival vendors ranged from clothing, jewelry, custom signs, handbags, and financial services with food trucks offering cup cakes, pizza, ice cream, tacos, empanadas and doughnuts.

Project Graduation is held at the high school from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. after graduation.

This year’s event is beach-themed, with a DJ, laser tagging, casino, surf-riding, and more, all held in the back of the school, the cafeteria, school gym and auditorium.

“The kids love it, it takes the pressure off,” DiMeglio said. “We are averaging nearly 350 students from a graduating class of 500, which is an excellent response. We have over 40 parents and teachers volunteering for set-up and chaperoning, but other than that, it’s all kids, no parents.”

As far as the Food Truck Festival is concerned, DiMeglio said plans are already being made.

“Next year, we’ll be even bigger and better with more vendors and more food trucks, and adding live music,” DiMeglio said. “We have a winner here, and we’ll keep it going.”

Here are some scenes from the event:

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