BRATTLEBORO — Drawing crowds of up to 1,200 people, the weekly Food Truck Roundup at Retreat Farm became a community fixture last summer.
This year, the spectacular setting, local food, craft brews, live music, and lawn games are back, and have created an event that is attracting a community of support to make the Roundup more accessible and inclusive.
The Food Truck Roundup series debuts on July 4 and continues every Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. through Sept. 5.
To complement the town festivities, the July 4th Roundup will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., immediately following the parade, and before the afternoon festivities kick off at Memorial Park.
In a news release, Retreat Farm said it has received support from Brattleboro Savings & Loan and Chroma Technology to create dedicated bus service that will be provided to and from the Roundup by The Current.
Bus service will originate in Bellows Falls, and make stops at Penguin Mart in Bellows Falls, Allen Brothers in Westminster, the Exit 5 Park-and-Ride in Putney, and the High-Grove lot in Brattleboro.
“As a certified B corporation, Brattleboro Savings & Loan is committed to upholding and supporting ethically, socially and environmentally sound business practices and initiatives,” said President & CEO Dan Yates. “Food Truck Roundup is a natural fit with our commitment to the health and well-being of our towns and neighbors.”
In addition, Retreat Farm has expanded the number of ADA-accessible parking spots and will have designated motorcycle and cyclist parking. Cyclists can use the bike racks in the main parking lot, or near the yellow Farmhouse in the new 18-space bike rack, donated in part by Burrows Specialized Sports.
The Roundup will feature 13 weekly vendors, with trucks rotating in and out to provide variety week to week.
The vendor lineup features local favorites, including Anon's Thai Cuisine, Cai's Dim Sum Teahouse, Dosa Kitchen, Jamaican Jewelz, The Porch Too, Tito's Taqueria, and Whetstone Station.
Other vendors include Amy's French Macaron's, Caravan Kitchen, Cliff's Smokin Backyard BBQ, Crooked Stick Pops, Frisky Cow Gelato, Little Zoe's Pizza, Street & Savory Food Truck, Top Tier Bakery, and Madame Jo's and Creperie.
Retreat Farm will also unveil its own pop-up bar, The Thirsty Goat. With support from The Alchemist, The Thirsty Goat will feature the best of Vermont's fermented beverages serving craft brews, hard cider, wine, and kombucha.
“We're grateful to be building a growing community of support as we strive to create opportunities to strengthen community ties and foster a deep appreciation of the land, farmers, and animals that nourish us,” commented Lindsay Fahey, Chief Operating Officer at Retreat Farm.
Other local supporters of the Food Truck Roundup include Automall, Hatchspace, Food Connects, and Rich Earth Institute.