New Westminster wants to join the "culinary convoy" and hold a food truck festival this summer.
The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association is planning a food truck festival that would feature gourmet food trucks from across Metro Vancouver, live music and a beer garden on Columbia Street. The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 on Columbia Street between Fourth and Sixth streets.
"Food trucks are highly, highly popular," said Kendra Johnston, the association's executive director.
Johnston said the idea for a food truck festival came about after it was announced that the Waldorf Hotel in Vancouver was closing, as food truck festivals had been a big hit there last summer.
The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association believes Columbia Street is the perfect spot for a food truck festival because of its proximity to SkyTrain and neighbouring venues such as the Heritage Grill. The association believes the food truck festival could draw people from around the region.
"We put it out there on Facebook one day," Johnston said of the idea. "We got literally hundreds of responses."
The association appeared before city council Monday to seek the city's support for the event, noting it would require city approval to close Columbia Street.
Johnston said the two-block area between Fourth and Sixth streets is a compact area that's large enough to accommodate about 15 food trucks.
"I think it's a great idea," said Coun. Bill Harper. "I noticed at Uptown Live how big of a magnet they are. ... People love to eat, I guess."
In addition to the Uptown Live street party, food trucks have also been popular features at the Show and Shine and the DiverseCity multicultural festivals in New Westminster.
City administrator Lisa Spitale said a staff team has already been assembled and is looking into the logistics of the food truck festival. "It is certainly something staff are aware of."
Council gave its support to the association's proposed food truck festival.
"We will be supporting you, and eating there," said Mayor Wayne Wright.
The festival has garnered the support of downtown businesses including Lafflines Comedy Club, the Heritage Grill, Drink Urban Lounge and the Met Bar & Grill. The businesses believe this type of event will not only promote Downtown New Westminster as an entertainment and dining destination, but will attract a very desirable demographic of local and regional customers who they hope may become future patrons of their establishments.
