GAINESVILLE, Ga. (April 1, 2023) – Been craving some fun in the sun? You’re in luck! Lake Lanier Olympic Park’s (LLOP) official 2023 event season opens in mid-April with the return of Food Truck Friday.
The latest four-course serving of Food Truck Friday, sponsored by the City of Gainesville, kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, April 21, offering attendees a generous lineup of food and beverage trucks to choose from. The series will run monthly through August, with additional events scheduled May 19, June 16 and Aug. 18, and Beach Bash 2023 slated for July 14.
“For the seventh year in a row, Lake Lanier Olympic Park is excited to bring back our most anticipated spring and summer series, Food Truck Friday,” said Gainesville Tourism Director Robyn Lynch. “Look for great live music, a variety of food trucks and kids’ activities.”
The following food trucks are expected at the April event: Tap It Growlers, offering beer and wine; Downtown Drafts, also offering beer and wine; Bill’s Grills on Wheels, offering American classics; newcomer Meatballerz, offering meatball sandwiches and Italian fries; The Inked Pig, offering classic southern barbecue with a new-age twist; Carniceria Tapatia, offering a fusion of Mexican, Latin and Spanish cuisines; Dot Bowl, offering Korean barbecue; Pico's Hot Dogs, offering a variety of specialty hot dogs; Jus Like Nawlins, offering authentic New Orleans food; Paw Paws Peanuts, offering boiled peanuts and freshly squeezed lemonade; PattyKakes, offering the best in bundt cakes; King of Pops, offering handcrafted fruit and ice-cream popsicles; Kona Ice, offering refreshing flavored shaved ice; and Juke N Jive Creamery, offering creamy, melt-in-your-mouth scoops of ice cream.
Now with the 2022 season of Food Truck Friday under her belt, LLOP Special Events Manager Morgan Wingler said she’s looking forward to a second helping of the community-favorite event.
“We have great vendors eager to come back and some fun new additions,” Wingler said. “It really is a great way to wind down the week with a relaxing evening on our plaza.”
The Band Loula will take the stage from 5:30-8:45 p.m. to energize the crowd, getting them on their feet and dancing to the beat. According to their official website, The Band Loula is an independent, up-and-coming Southern duo comprised of Gainesville natives Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons.
“Drawing inspiration from classic American country music, you can expect an original mixture of folk and country delivered with strong and exciting harmonies,” the website states.
Radio personality Bill Maine with AccessWDUN will also be on site providing entertainment.
Retail vendors in attendance will include Capriluna, a Gainesville-based boutique offering a collection of comfortable on-trend pieces; and Angry Hen GA, offering a wide selection of handcrafted tumblers.
Learn more about offerings in the Gainesville-Hall County community by visiting tents/tables belonging to State Farm insurance agent Michael Homans, Matt Hermes with Keller Williams, Hall County Library System – downtown Gainesville branch, Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Lake Lanier Rowing Club and American Boat Brokers.
Those interested in making the most of their night out may reserve in advance private lakeside seating, which includes a table on the grandstands with seating for six. A fee of $45 secures your table, which includes four seat cushions (for you to keep) and two end chairs. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your reservation here.
As construction on The Boathouse at LLOP remains ongoing, off-site overflow parking will be available at Riverbend Church – Gainesville, located at 1715 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville. Take the stress out of finding parking by riding the free shuttle to and from the venue. Limited on-site parking will be available at LLOP, located at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville – just look for the tower!
For more information, including updates, “Like” @LakeLanierOlympicVenue on Facebook or visit exploregainesville.org.