Winslow held its first Food Truck Friday last week at the Route 66 Plaza on Second Street. This was the first event where the city was able to showcase the upgrades recently made to the plaza, including new multi-colored programmable lights and a dance floor right in front of the stage. Events were blocked from being held in the plaza for the month of May to allow for sod installation and growth, completing this era of renovations to the space.
The event was well-attended and turned downtown into a bustling epicenter of activity, keeping local restaurants and shops bustling all night. This event coincided with the carnival, which was a 10-minute walk away, so many people parked somewhere in between and attended both events.
Mayor Cano said that this was a trial run to see if people would be willing to come to an event like this, but with the turnout she saw that night, she is considering having this as a monthly event. This would bring opportunity for a variety of food trucks from out of town to attend and provide residents a place where they can try types of food they may not otherwise. The featuring of local musical talent also cultivates a place people from all over the region could enjoy.
There were five food trucks to choose from: Longs Xtreme Diné Kitchen, Cajun Creations, Thai 2 Go, Romo’s Mexican Grill, and Nidya’s Food Wagon. So many people were in the area, either there for the band or just to grab a quick bite before heading back to the carnival, that it produced long lines for the food trucks.
The band started after sundown and the city’s new lights could be used to full effect. The band was a local cover band called Perfect Storm, whose members include lead singer Jose Aguilera Jr., Mike Leary on lead guitar and vocals, Mike Duran and Andy Lowery on rhythm guitar, Ernie Cano on bass, and Omar Galvan on drums.
The inaugural Food Truck Friday event in Winslow was a delicious success that left attendees craving more. The newly renovated Route 66 Plaza proved to be the perfect location for this lively event.
