BRATTLEBORO — Retreat Farm's Thursday evening Food Truck Roundup will return to Farmhouse Square, providing a setting and combination of local food, craft brews, lawn games, and live music to draw people of all ages and backgrounds.
The 2021 Roundup begins July 1 and continues each Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. until Sept. 2. To reduce wait times and lines, Retreat Farm will encourage vendors to use mobile ordering apps, contactless pickup, and pagers.
The Roundup will highlight Retreat Farm's pop-up bar, the Thirsty Goat, featuring local craft brews, cider and wine, along with its new Cattail Coffee Co. cart and Farmhouse Creemee stand.
From the roadhouse roots of Saints & Liars to the global fusion grooves of Billy Wylder, the musical lineup for the Roundup has been carefully curated in collaboration with the Stone Church.
“We've been talking about a partnership with the Farm for several years, and the Roundup was a perfect fit,” said Robin Johnson, owner of the Stone Church. “We're excited to bring artists to the Farm that provide sensory experiences and long-lasting memories for the community.”
The application window for new and returning vendors is now open and will close on Friday, April 30. Vendors will be notified of selection by Friday, May 14. The online application form is available at retreatfarm.org/roundupapp.
“We're looking to add vendors who offer distinct cuisine, have strong partnerships with local farms and producers, and are committed to minimizing their environmental impact,” Lindsay Fahey, Retreat Farm's managing director of impact and community, said in a news release.
Vendors have the opportunity to participate for a full-season or half-season. Each week of the Roundup is carefully curated to minimize the duplication of cuisine and provide delicious diversity throughout the summer.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone feels welcome to enjoy the Farm and the best food, drink, and culturally diverse music that this region has to offer,” said Fahey. “We believe that these simple pleasures enhance peoples' lives and add to the vitality of Brattleboro, especially after a year with minimal social interaction.”
Due to the number of families and children at the event, all attendees will be required to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking, regardless of their vaccination status.
Retreat Farm will also continue its Food Truck Roundup Coupon Booklet program in collaboration with SUSU commUNITY Farm, which provides under-resourced families the opportunity to purchase fresh, local food from the best food trucks in the region at a greatly reduced price.
For more information, visit retreatfarm.org.