At the last meeting of the Orange City Council, approximately ten local food truck owners were in attendance to complain about being turned down at the Orangetober Fest event coming up in October.
The city has recently changed their policy on which food trucks will be allowed to work the city sponsored events. Vendors now have to fill out a form and be chosen by a committee.
Seth Hancock, owner of Wing Junkiez, said, “I’ve been at Orangetober Fest every year. I helped build that festival. People come out and tell us they came just to get some Booty Fries and other things we offer and now we’re not wanted.”
“And when they’ve needed help on short notice, the local people is who they call. Now we’re supposed to be on a waiting list. This is my full time job. This is how I provide for my family and now I can’t find another event because everything is already booked.”
Deputy Director for the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, Divon Williams, told KOGT, “The CVB is working to grow and improve all our events and provide a great experience for our community and visitors. To support this, our team has implemented a new vendor selection process that includes completion of an interest form prior to each event. We carefully review submissions to ensure a variety of menus and minimize overlap.
For the Orangetober Festival specifically, we received 50+ submissions but could only select 15 vendors, with a waitlist option. While we wish we could accommodate everyone, our goal is to provide a balanced mix of offerings for our attendees. We truly appreciate all vendors and encourage them to submit their interest in future events.”
Chuckwagon owner, Chuck Neely (below), also spoke to council and has worked the last two Orangetoberfest events. “Man it’s sad. What they don’t realize is how much that hurt the local ones. Me personally, just going full time in April, I was counting on that….I am heart broke over this…. I personally did two events for Divon losing money both events but was willing to help her since others pulled out.”
The 5th Annual Orangetober Festival is October 3rd – 5th at the Riverside Pavilion, located at 708 Simmons Drive. Festivalgoers can enjoy tours of the Pumpkin Village with over 10,000 pumpkins, a vendor market, gumbo cook-off, pumpkin pie eating contest, cornhole tournament, The Big Pumpkin Run 5k, Cirkus Zirkus Variety Show and live entertainment on the Riverside Pavilion stage by local artist Brandon Bennett, singer-songwriter Clare Dunn, and headliner William Clark Green. To close out the weekend there is a Pumpkin Scramble, where eventgoers are encouraged to bring pumpkins home for FREE!
Admission and parking for this event is free, including the live concerts. No dogs, pets, or coolers, but chairs are welcome and encouraged.
Social Media