First St. Stephen's Food Truck Festival held June 1

WARWICK — Judging by the size of the crowds the first of three Food Truck Festivals hosted by the R.C. Parish of St. Stephen, the First Martyr on Thursday, June 1, was a huge success.
The event, held at Pennings Field adjacent to the church and school on the corner of County Route 1 and West Street, was a departure from the annual Taste of the Town fund raiser.
It was a warm day under sunny skies and in addition to lots of tables and chairs, many of the visitors brought their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
Visitors had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of ethnic street foods along with burgers and French fries as well as Philadelphia cheese steaks prepared and served by local restaurateur Adam Powers.
And for the children, there was face art, body henna, games and hip-hop bouncy houses.
The next two Food Truck Festivals, featuring different band and different trucks, will also be held at Pennings Field and are scheduled for Thursday, July 6 and Thursday, Aug. 3 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
"Since the event was held outside and there was no admission fee to attend, we don't have a count of how many participated," said Tracy Gregoire, event co-chair. "We're estimating about 1,500 people. And since this was the first of three dates for the food truck festival, proceeds have not yet been determined. Monies raised will be used for the school's operating expenses."
The event also had the support of sponsors St. Anthony Community Hospital and Horizon Medical Group. .
For additional information and a list of vendors and bands follow the Warwick Food Truck Festival on Facebook or visit: www.warwickfoodfestival.com.
- Roger Gavan