Long lines at the first Kamloops Food Truck Festival.

(BRENDAN KERGIN / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - The success of Kamloops' first food truck festival created a somewhat ‘overwhelming’ experience for organizers, but they are already planning a second.

Sept. 23 has been set for the second food festival, with some tweaks after the first event June 17 drew roughly three times the number of people expected. The first experience was mainly positive, organizer and Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association executive director Ashley Sudds says, and the public's feedback has encouraged her to hold a fall edition.

“It’s hard to know how things are going to work without trying it first,” she says. “We really appreciated Kamloops' support for a new event.”

The event was created as a fundraiser for the association, and with nearly $9,000 raised so far, and more still expected from the food trucks, Sudds deems it a success. The event was run by volunteers and most supplies were donated, so the event was a big financial boost for the non-profit group.

While very little is set for the Sept. 23 fest, some changes are already being planned, including longer hours. Sudds says this should help with lines because attendance will be spread out, though the nature of the event means there will still be lines.

“It doesn’t matter how many food trucks there are, there’s always going to be a line,” she says. "Some food trucks had never fed a crowd like that."

Some of the 10 trucks which attended the festival are already planning to come back, and some who weren’t able to attend Friday’s festival are interested in joining the fall event.

The issue of parking was also brought up by attendees, and Sudds hopes to speak to Kamloops Airport about using some of their overflow land.

The city also has come to Sudds, requesting she get a trade show permit. The city approached her just before the June 17 event and she was told administration would let it slide this time, but she’ll require one for the next event. Food trucks have offered to pitch in for the permit cost.

“We’re willing to work with the city for the next event,” she says. “If they’re willing to help us out I’d really appreciate it.”

Though some people have suggested a different site for the food trucks next time, Sudds says that's unlikely. The association’s land is free for them to use and gives people a chance to see what the funds raised are going towards.

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