- February 5, 2025
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Isabella and Brayden Johnson. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Keiyona Mitchell, Patricia Riley Ross, Erica Mitchell and Keyanna Scott. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Vivek Madesi. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Ivette Molina and Kassandra Cumba. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Oscar Davilla, Sandro Oliveira and Heloisa Oliveira. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Bilyana Mavrov. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Olivia Mallozzi. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Joey and Melanie Cloud. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Corey Rivera. Photo by Nichole Osinski
William Young. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Mary Chapman and Judy Capell.
It may have been delayed due to Florida rain and then received some more rain the day of the event, but the first-ever Port Orange Food Truck Wars had finally arrived at Riverwalk Park.
And while there may have been some approaching storms on Saturday, June 30, when the event was held, the park was still busy with 40 food trucks parked around the walkways and people enjoying the varieties of food and drinks. However, what started out as a few sprinkles when the event kicked off at noon eventually turned into a heavier rainstorm, forcing the event to be put on hold to wait out the weather.
The event did reopen but was unfortunately shut down around 5 p.m. when lightning was seen. Because of this, event organizers were not able to hand out the five awards originally planned for different vendors.
But even though the event had been cut short, there was no doubt the food trucks had been a hit with residents who spent their time walking around the park and filling up on sweet, savory and unique dishes and drinks. People were even willing to wait in the rain, according to Liz Rivera Otts, president of Food Truck Crazy Inc., the foundation for the Food Truck Wars.
"People did not leave," Rivera Otts said. "They were standing there with their umbrellas the whole time they stood in line waiting for food."
Rivera Otts said that despite the storms forcing an early closure of the event, she would still like to plan a second event around the end of the year after the summer season.
"I think everybody was pumped about it for sure," Rivera Otts said. "And we'd love to come back."