Community Corner
Food Trucks Gearing Up for Dates Across Region
Four events will feature the popular gourmet restaurants on wheels, including a fundraising stop at Redlands East Valley High School.
They offer such tantalizing creations such as sushi burritos, monster burgers and bacon ice cream.
And they're all restaurants on wheels.
The gourmet food truck craze has grown over the past few years across Southern California, but not in San Bernardino County, due to health regulations.
Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
But the trucks are allowed at special events, and there will be plenty of chances in the coming weeks to check them out in the area -- including twice at fundraisers to help area organizations.
On April 21, Redlands East Valley High School will be hosting 15 food trucks as a fundraiser for the school's football program, and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Trucks scheduled to be there include Jogasaki (the home of the sushi burritos mentioned above), MeSo Hungry, BaconMania and Thai 1 On.
Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The festival is set to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school. Admission is only $5, and children age 4 and younger are free. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets, but no outside food or drink or pets will be allowed.
The next day, the trucks will make their way to San Bernardino's San Manuel Stadium -- home of the Inland Empire 66ers -- for the Route 66 Food Truck Fest 2012.
More than 20 trucks are scheduled to be lined up inside the stadium, offering their gourmet creations, and the stadium food vendor will have a beer garden set up to serve up drinks. Again, people are welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to set up in the outfield grass.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with VIP tickets available for entry at 10 a.m., and seats inside a special tent. Tickets are $10 for general admission in advance and $15 at the door. There will be a charge of $5 to park at the stadium.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Symphonie Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, a strings only group featuring students ages 12 to 19 from the surrounding areas. The group played three dates late in 2011 backing "American Idol" finalist David Archuleta.
Two weeks later, the action shifts to Ontario for what they're billing as "FoodIE Weekend" at the Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The action kicks off May 5 with the Inland Empire Dixie Salsa Barbecue Competition. More than 30 teams will compete for prizes with certified barbecue judges in this event. There will also be local vendors and a Youth Live Music Competition.
The next day, the Food Trucks arrive for the Inland Empire Food Truck Fest. More than 40 trucks are scheduled to appear, along with a kids zone, live music and local business vendors.
Tickets are $10 for general admission each day ($8 in advance), with two-day tickets available for $18 ($14 in advance). Parking is free. Advance tickets must be purchased before May 2.
