Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Three Rivers is hosting a food truck event in its parking lot this Thursday. The event is a fundraiser for the “IC Boosters,” which is the school’s parent-teacher organization. Four trucks will be featured in what Principal Sharon Voege says is an opportunity to be social and socially distanced at the same time.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Voege said, several other fundraisers that the Boosters usually host have been cancelled this year, including a Holiday Bazaar, a springtime auction, and others. Boosters Co-chairs Melissa Frye and Janae Brookens came up with the food truck idea as a way to get people together in a way that would make it easy for them to be outside and spread out. Frye said, “I came up with the idea after seeing the success of other food truck/vendor events, such as the Fair’s events. I think people are missing being able to get “fair” type food or food that you only get a few times a year.”
So far, Frye said, preparation for the event has been going well. “I just hope we have a good turnout,” Frye said. “The weather looks nice, so that is a plus.” Voege said the event will not have seating due to extra, pandemic-related requirements the health department would mandate for it, but members of the public are welcome to come and enjoy dinner and dessert take-out style.
In order to attract vendors, Voege said organizers limited the number of trucks present to four. To raise funds for the Boosters, which helps support the school, vendors have each agreed to share a percentage of their total sales with the organization. “The more they sell, the more we make,” Voege said.
Frye said she views the arrangement as a partnership with mutual benefit. “I hope the event will raise money for the school, but more importantly, give people an opportunity to support local businesses,” she said. “We need to support our schools and local businesses during this time, and this event is a way for people to do both.”
The vendors scheduled to be present Thursday include Scott’s Pig Roast and More, which features Memphis-style barbecue, brisket, macaroni and cheese, and other items. Small Town Girl Concessions and Catering features tacos, nachos, and sliders, while Honey Bunnies Concessions and Catering will sell specialty waffles, burgers, hot dogs and corn dogs, onion rings, and other items. Ohana Kalea will offer shaved ice in a variety of flavors. “They are some very good trucks, and we’re very happy that we can bring them into our parking lot so people can come out,” Voege said.
Frye said she thinks there could be a possibility of repeating the event if it is successful, even after the pandemic is over. “I think we are always looking for ways to inform people about this wonderful school,” Frye said.
Voege said, “I just invite people to come and have some good food without having to cook, and support our mission.” The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Thursday, October 22, 2020. It will occur rain or shine. Immaculate Conception is located at 601 South Douglas Avenue in Three Rivers.
Dave Vago is a writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.
