Get your taste buds ready! The Texas Food Truck Showdown is back and ready to bring an exciting event filled with delicious food and fun activities to downtown Waco. This annual event, which has become one of Waco’s signature events, will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The first Texas Food Truck Showdown was held in 2015, and it was an immediate success. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce anticipated 5,000 attendees and 20 food trucks from around the state, but the event ended up having 35 food trucks serving upwards of 15,000 people. Since then, the event has only grown in size and popularity, and it now welcomes up to 40 food trucks from around the country and over 25,000 people each year.
The event features a competition where food trucks create a signature dish that is to be portioned and sold in 4-ounce servings in exchange for one Tasty Ticket. Only one ticket may be taken per Signature Dish, and Tasty Tickets must be purchased using cash or card at the ticket booths located near the event entrance. The competition ends at 4 p.m., at which point, trucks will close for rest and restocking purposes. At precisely 5 p.m., trucks will re-open for full menu sales until 8 p.m.
Besides the food, the Texas Food Truck Showdown also features a pop-up market with local artists selling unique pieces and products, a beer and wine garden, and live music throughout the day. The beer and wine garden is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Tasty Tickets will not be accepted. However, bottled water and soda will be available for purchase directly from the drink trailer with cash or card.
This year, The Texas Food Truck Showdown will also feature five celebrity judges who will sample each truck’s signature dish and determine the overall champion and category winners. The identity of the judges is still under wraps, but stay tuned for more information.
This event is not just about delicious food; it is also a fundraising event for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s many community development and economic programs. Prizes will be awarded based on categories selected by the Chamber, with a $3,000 prize going to the Texas Grand Champion, and five additional category winners will win $500 each.
The Texas Food Truck Showdown is open to all ages, and furry friends are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash and are not aggressive. So mark your calendars and bring your appetite for The Texas Food Truck Showdown 2023!
Central Texas Reporter 