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Lots of food and talent galore on tap at Hernando's annual Food Truck Fiesta

 
Phil Vanderhider, the food truck organizer, is donating a $200 cash prize to the winning Hernando’s Got Talent act.
Phil Vanderhider, the food truck organizer, is donating a $200 cash prize to the winning Hernando’s Got Talent act.
Published Aug. 23, 2017

SPRING HILL — With kids back in school, and as summer's end nears, there's a celebration coming to Hernando County this weekend — one with lots of food and a showcase of some serious local talent.

It will be a foodie's delight when nearly 20 gourmet food trucks come together for the fourth annual Food Truck Fiesta on Aug. 26 at Anderson Snow Park. And back by popular demand, the event will include the second annual Hernando's Got Talent show.

The event, a partnership between the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and Weeki Wachee High School's student government, will feature food trucks from around Hernando County and as far away as Orlando and Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The truck will be selling a variety of desserts and foods — Cajun, grilled cheese delicacies, Mexican, burgers, barbecue and more. Some of the participating trucks include Bacon Boss, Cajun in a Truck, Churro Express, Cravin Donuts, Got Lobstah?, Kona Ice of Hernando, Mr. C's Grilled Cheese, Open Fire Brazilian and Tropical Tribe Acai Bowl.

There will be a contest to determine the best food truck, with attendees voting on their favorite dessert and entree. The voting will be overseen by Hernando County Supervisor of Elections Shirley Anderson.

The family event will include a variety of games, face painting, balloon art, activities, displays and demonstrations.

Previously held at Weeki Wachee High School, this year's event will be more centrally located at Anderson Snow Park. And it promises to be the biggest fiesta yet.

"Our goal was to make this more of a community event," said Patricia Crowley, president of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. "It outgrew the campus at Weeki Wachee High School, and (the school) was on board to move it and be able to include the rest of the high schools." She said a number of students throughout the county have volunteered to help put on the event.

The Hernando's Got Talent show that will feature community musicians, singers, actors, dancers, comedians and other entertainers.

"Oh, my goodness, it was so much fun," Crowley said of last year's inaugural talent show. "They were all great. There is such a variety of talent."

The contest will be in two rounds. The first begins at 5:30 p.m., when all acts perform before a panel of judges who will select the top 10 acts. The second round begins at 7:30 p.m. with the 10 finalists performing. The audience will choose the winner.

The winning act will receive a $200 cash prize donated by Phil Vanderhider, owner of Cajun in a Truck and the event's food truck organizer.

"We are so blessed to have Phil on board," Crowley said. "He's helped since the (event's) inception. We are very fortunate to have him."