By Crystal Carter Harrell
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – The Downtown Little Rock Partnership held its 9th annual Main Street Food Truck Festival on Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The DLRP and the Main Street Revitalization Committee started the event to help bring people back to Main Street. A record number of 86 food trucks registered for the free event. Twenty-five artists and marketplace vendors provided shopping and fun activities for festival goers.

Kimberly Bratton said she has been looking forward to the Food Truck Festival for weeks. Bratton’s home-based bakery features temperature-sensitive treats which provide options for vegan and diabetic clientele.

“I started baking when I was 9 and fell in love with it. I went to culinary school. After getting out, I said that is what I’m going to do. Once I get a food truck, I plan on expanding,” Bratton said.

Chicago native Melanie Jackson and her family attended the festival.

“We were here last year. My favorite food is tacos, but I think I’m going to get a stuffed turkey leg with chicken and dressing. Mac and cheese sounds good too,” Jackson said.

Vinnie Osmun of Kansas City, Missouri, ordered from a Cajun food truck while visiting his brother, Cody.

“We were like, ‘Let’s check it out’. Gumbo is a staple in Cajun cooking. Good gumbo really defines a restaurant. We also got some chicken and shrimp alfredo,” Osmun said.

Registered food trucks included: A Little Crepesy, Adobo To Go, Banana Leaf, Beaver Tails, Blue Sage Vegan, Bragg’s Big Bites, Bryant’s BBQ, Cheesecake On Point, Comida Rapida Mr. Casas, Cousins Maine Lobster, Crepe Coop, Delta Biscuit Co., Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, Down Home Blues BBQ, Eat At Eric’s Grill & Catering, Eat My Catfish, El Sur Street Food Co., Flossie’s Funnel Cakes Inc., Food Hut, Fresh Gulf Shrimp and more.

Music lovers enjoyed 55 hours of entertainment. Artists performed song covers from old school Michael Jackson to modern day Taylor Swift. DLRP supplied a watering hole for pets and a rock-climbing wall for kids to enjoy.

The deck at Scott and 6th streets granted free parking all day.  

Editor’s Note: Feature photo shows attendees of the 9th annual Main Street Food Truck Festival in Little Rock. Photo by Crystal Carter