Dayton Dining

The “must-taste” event of the year rolls back into Springfield this Saturday as food trucks near and far vie for supremacy at the 11th Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition. The regional favorite event will once again bring palate-pleasing mobile cuisine, live entertainment and fun for the entire family from 11 am to 7 pm in Veterans Park. All proceeds from the event will benefit Rotary’s various charitable causes.

“This event continues to attract wonderful food trucks, great entertainment and amazing crowds, including those who bring chairs and tents and stay all day,” said Eddie Bell, past Rotary president and Food Truck Competition marketing committee chair. “Food truck owners consistently tell us this is among their favorite events. It really is a showcase that brings out the best of the city and the region.”

Up to 30 food trucks will line the park’s path with gourmet goodies, keeping attendees fed from brunch through dinner. In addition to standard American fare, comfort foods and sweet treats, trucks will feature cultural creations from Africa, Asia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico and more. In addition to beverages offered by the trucks, a beer garden will feature domestic and local craft brews from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, with soda and water also available for purchase.

Past champions join returning favorites and new competitors alike, putting forth their best dishes for $10,000 in prizes. The $5,000 grand prize, $2,500 runner-up and $1,500 third-place prize will be determined by local celebrity/chef judges including:

●  Lisa Freeman – Chef/Owner of Crust & Company, Salato Deli and Torte & Iron Cafe

●  Bryan Fuentes – Chef, Viva La Fiesta

●  Clayton Horrighs – Chef/Owner of Speakeasy Ramen and Hi-Hat Social

●  Doug McGregor – Chef/Owner of Seasons Kitchen

●  Korge Mori – Lieutenant with the Springfield Fire Rescue Division and former operator of Ramen Rickshaw food truck; past recipient of Springfield Rotary’s Service Above Self Award

The coveted $1,000 “People’s Choice” award will be determined by attendees’ votes using the Springfield Food Truck Mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices.

Winners will be announced on the park stage at approximately 4:45 pm Saturday.

A number of talented local musicians will perform for attendees throughout the competition, including:

●  Andy Fox (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

●  Add On Room (1-3 p.m.)

●  Mountain Vain (3-5 p.m.)

●  KC & The Moonlighters (5-7 p.m.)

Springfield Rotary has partnered with Crafts for a Cause to host an Arts and Crafts show featuring 20 talented artisans during the competition. Attendees will be able to explore a wide variety of creative finds, from home decor and jewelry to seasonal gifts and specialty items while enjoying the food, entertainment and atmosphere of the day.

A single, large 50/50 drawing will also be held at 6 pm as opposed to multiple smaller drawings at previous events. Participants need not be present to win.

“The competition tastes, smells and sounds good, but it also does a lot of good, too,” said Bell, noting that all proceeds from sponsorships, concessions, the 50/50 drawing and other sources go towards various charitable Rotary projects.

“We’re proud to have raised more than $300,000 through this event over the past decade that we’ve reinvested throughout and beyond the Springfield community,” he said. This includes

services for people with disabilities, scholarships, local projects, the International Project in Lesotho and more.

Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition

Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025

11 am to 7 pm

Veterans Park (formerly known as Cliff Park)

For complete details and updates about participating food trucks, the entertainment schedule, competition and more, visit springfieldfoodtruck.com,  or download the Springfield Food Truck mobile app for Android and Apple devices.