Plainfield – The Plainfield Park District hosted its inaugural “World of Meals Vans” pageant Saturday as a part of an effort to advertise variety.
Greater than 1,000 individuals got here to the Prairie Recreation and Actions Heart to get pleasure from a sunny afternoon of dwell leisure, crafts and meals from around the globe.
The occasion featured 11 meals vehicles from Chicago and the southern suburbs, representing cuisines from Taiwan, Italy, Mexico, Greece, the Philippines and U.S. areas from Maine to Louisiana to Hawaii.
“We came upon concerning the occasion via Fb and to date we actually prefer it,” stated Ytzel Peña and Polo Morales.
“We’re large meals lovers,” Ytzel added. “The Hawaiian truck is a 10 out of 10, and the [Taiwanese] Boba Truck drinks are actually refreshing.”
“To date it's been going very properly,” stated Stephen Franklin, recreation supervisor for particular occasions for the park district that organized the occasion. “We're undoubtedly going to deliver it again subsequent 12 months.”
Franklin stated 1,000 individuals claimed free tickets to the occasion on Eventbright and greater than 5,000 RSVPed on Fb.
“I obtained right here at 10:45 and there have been already individuals exhibiting up, although we didn't begin till 11,” stated Plainfield Park Assistant District Supervisor Maureen Nugent. “We had a number of hundred individuals present up in simply the primary hour.”
Along with the meals cubicles, there have been distributors from across the neighborhood, together with a Woman Scout cookie sales space, t-shirts and attire from Ghost Owl Studios, and henna tattoos by Natalie Van, an award-winning henna artist representing the tradition. india for the pageant. .
The occasion additionally featured multicultural craft stations, together with Japanese origami and Native American dream catchers, and performances all through the day by Polish polka band Die Kellerknaben and a trio of Brazilian samba dancers from “Thata Samba Present,” which inspired viewers participation whereas the spectators loved themselves. your lunch choices.
“We need to give attention to DEI and we needed to have the chance to showcase cultures that aren't usually proven,” Franklin stated. “How typically do you go to a neighborhood occasion and see samba dancers?”
“Dancing with our pet fox!” Nugent added, drawing consideration to performers with the park district's mascot, Scout, who entertained a bunch of attendees, dancing and posing for photographs.
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Many friends stated they have been excited to see the pageant come to Plainfield after attending related occasions in earlier years in Lemont and Naperville.
“We went to the Forge in Lemont final 12 months,” stated Jessica Bradley, who attended together with her husband, Tracy, and their two younger kids. “I feel that is nice. The meals is superb. We’ve already tried all of the stalls besides the funnel muffins. Everybody has been very pleasant and the meals is nice. The Burrito Xpress tacos have been merely a kiss from the chef.”
The Bradleys stated having attended an occasion earlier than helped them know what to anticipate, bringing chairs and a blanket to picnic with their purchases.