Andrews – It started out with a near cancellation due to rain, then the weather cleared up to the amazement of vendors only to leave the first Food Truck Fridays event of the year drenched before clearing up again just prior to the street festival’s end.
Last month, the event was canceled due to poor weather. However, this time everyone stuck it out through the evening’s changing weather pattern, and plenty of shoppers and lookers came out as well.
Solo artist Steve Vaclavik continued to play music throughout the evening entertaining folks with Americana, Classic Rock and originals.
One of the “new kids” on the block was Steve Kurti owner and vendor of New Ventures, a coffee trailer that was out at Food Truck Fridays for the first time. They had no shortage of people standing in line for a hot or cold cup of joe.
Kurti was treating some folks to his coffee when he said, “We enjoy the process of serving people. New Ventures isn’t about us, it’s about our customers. We want to build communities around coffee and help people start stuff.
“That’s my passion – helping people start things – and coffee is a natural place to start.”
His coffee trailer started when Kurti saw one in Australia at a farmers market. That’s where he got the idea.
Emory Ricks is 11 years old and lives in Marble. She came to Food Truck Fridays with her family and was sipping on a cold coffee.
“We needed something to do to get outta the house,” she said. “We brought our dog and we’re soaking wet, but it’s been fun.”
Kids didn’t seem to be bothered by the rain, which was clearly evident by the antics of 4-year-old Joseph Collins of Andrews. He was spotted wading through the street puddles wearing a T-shirt that read, “Trouble.” His parents said the shirt was indeed accurate.
Jerrie Wooten owns Jerrie’s Gourmet Kettle Corn. Folks were spotted with bags of the yummy treat, and it was apparent that her husband, Jamie, also liked the sweet popcorn snack, as he seemed to be eating up some of their profits.
Cherokee County Commissioner Cal Stiles was walking around talking with people, and at one point was spotted helping direct traffic. He was assisting someone who was trying to get around a curb without hitting a vendor’s tent. The mission was a success.
If you missed this Andrews Food Truck Fridays event, the next one will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 26. Food Truck Fridays is held on the second and fourth Friday from May through September at Harold H. Hall Memorial Park on First Street downtown. Parking is free, and clear restrooms are available.
The event is a partnership between the Andrews Chamber of Commerce and Town of Andrews. For details, see visitandrewsnc.com.