The public is invited to Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company's inaugural Tasty Food Truck Tuesday event Tuesday, July 11. The free admission event will be held 5 to 8 p.m. at the fire company on North Main Street.

"It helps raise funds for a much needed company," said Michelle Godfrey, event organizer and owner of MG Events & Design. "We want to bring the community together in a family friendly and safe environment."

Godfrey said the first Tasty Food Truck Tuesday will feature 10 to 12 different food trucks including GoGanics; Spud Nation; Tacos El Rey; The Local Oyster; Flat Chance; Truck Of Deliciousness; Kona Ice; and Smoke, Rattle & Roll.

Half of the vendor participation fees will be donated to the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company, Godfrey said. In addition, all proceeds from beverages sold by the HVFC will go to the fire company.

"We plan to do this on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month through the end of October in the fire station parking lot," Godfrey said. "There's plenty of free on-site parking and additional parking in nearby lots. The fire department will be directing traffic."

Hampstead Town Manager Tammi Ledley said the town's streetscape project does not start until Aug. 14, and she expects that it will not interfere with the recurring event.

"During the two weeks before the project, people may see personnel doing sediment control and utility markings, but there will be plenty of parking at the municipal public parking lot and along the street," Ledley said.

Godfrey said the event will feature a variety of foods for every palate.

"It's a unique menu that you can't get anywhere else," Godfrey said.

Goganics owner Nureya Monroe said she is "looking to get to know Carroll County people."

"We love that we're doing it with the local fire department and that we're able to support them," Monroe said. "The whole idea is to spread the word that organic food is affordable, local and fun. It doesn't just have to be vegetables. It can be hamburgers and hot dogs. It's good for the planet and good for our bodies."

Spud Nation manager Alex Cooper said he chose to be a part of the Tasty Tuesday event because of Godfrey's reputation as a talented event organizer with a passion for food trucks. He said the event's location, close to the Baltimore-D.C. metropolitan area, will give visitors access to a great mix of trucks and cuisine.

"Carroll County itself is a blossoming market for food trucks be it regular events like this one or special events," Cooper said. "Our truck is a nonprofit, farmer-owned and membership-driven food truck. We are representing Potatoes USA, the association of U.S. potato growers. Our task is to promote, showcase innovative, new and exciting potato dishes alongside featuring members' products, be it fresh or frozen."

Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Capt. JJ Lynott said the idea was inspired by Arbutus Volunteer Fire Company's Food Truck Wednesdays.

"It's been extremely popular there, and we're always looking for creative ways to raise funds," Lynott said. "It's something different and new. I think that it will catch on and be very popular. We're looking forward to it."

michel.elben@carrollcountytimes.com

410-857-7873

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What: Tasty Food Truck Tuesdays

When: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month through October, beginning 5to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11

Where: Hampstead volunteer fire company, 1341 N. Main St., Hampstead

Cost: Free admission. Food prices vary.

Read more:

Hampstead volunteer fire company to host Tasty Food Truck Tuesdays - Carroll County Times