[Clinton, N.C.] – Sampson County is about to make history. The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Sampson Community College and the Small Business Center to bring the county’s first-ever Food Truck Rodeo to the public. The event will be hosted on the SCC main campus.

“A food truck rodeo is a gathering of all different types of food trucks made to serve a mass group of people,” says Allison Strickland, Executive Director of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. “We will be offering everything from barbecue to authentic Mexican with some dessert sprinkled in for everyone.”

Food truck rodeo events began gaining popularity across the country about a decade ago. The purpose of the event is simple: To offer a new, fun and adventurous event to Sampson County with hopes of cultivating a true community atmosphere that brings people from across the county together. The ultimate goal is that eventually, the event can grow to become a seasonal event that could occur multiple times during the year.

Bart Rice, Director of the Small Business Center said the idea was a slam dunk. “Allison came in and wanted to do something different and talked about creating a food truck rodeo on this side of town,” said Rice. “I really have a good feeling about the event and we have already been fielding some calls showing interest in it. I think it’s going to work out well.”

The event will feature six local food trucks, three from Sampson County and three from Duplin County. Included are; Southern Smoke BBQ, which is well known around the region for awesome BBQ and southern sides. Somethin’ Good is owned by Amanda Ezzell of Ezzell’s Catering from Duplin County. They are also well known in the area. The Little Chef is also from Duplin County but well known around Clinton as they participate in many events at Timberlake Golf Club. Taqueria Tierra Caliente Mexican Food Truck (also known as TT Caliente) is from Duplin and will provide authentic Mexican cuisine. Pelican’s Snoballs of Roseboro will serve shaved ice desserts in several flavors as well as bottled water, drinks and candy. Dairy Queen of Clinton, another homegrown food truck from Sampson County will offer their traditional Dairy Queen desserts.

PHOTO: Representatives from sponsoring agencies meet at the food truck rodeo site to discuss logistics. From left to right are Joey Warren from The Big Chill radio station, Rice, Wiggins and Strickland.

“We have never had one of these before,” adds Brandon Wiggins of SCC Foundation and Advancement, who is also helping to market the event. “It is exciting. We want community members and the public to come out and see what’s going on at the college while they are here as well. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a new phase of SCC history that will see us integrate more into community and make more things happen locally.”

The Chamber wants to encourage all the college students and staff to join the fun on their lunch break as well. The event will take place on September 12^th from 11am-2pm and will be conveniently and centrally located in Clinton in the grassy area beside the College and Airport Road, accessible from Hwy 24. Tables and chairs will be provided for those who wish to sit and enjoy the full experience.

Any other food trucks wishing to participate in future events or to find out more information about this event should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 910.592.6177 to set up a tasting.

 

About Sampson Community College:  Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.