2024 Great Bay Food Truck Festival at Stratham Hill Park: What to know before you go
STRATHAM — The Great Bay Food Truck Festival is returning to Stratham Hill Park with more than 30 food trucks and a menu of fun that promises something for everyone.
The family-friendly festival produced by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and Stratham Parks and Recreation Department takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4.
"The festival brings friends and family together to celebrate spring and delicious eats within our community," said Renee Weiland of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. "We have a lot of new vendors that haven't participated before, and we definitely have a wider arrangement of foods."
The event sold out in the past, and Weiland is recommending those who want to attend the 2024 event to purchase tickets ahead of time. Tickets are $10 ($15 if purchased on the day of the festival). Children under 4 are free.
In addition to the food trucks, there will be live entertainment, a Mobile Marketplace, a Kid's Zone, and a Beer Garden sponsored by the Old Salt Restaurant.
The festival is underwritten by Service Credit Union with additional support from EnviroVantage, the Old Salt and Kennebunk Savings. Proceeds support local community programs and services. Last year, funds were used to purchase a new 15-passenger van for the Stratham Parks and Recreation Department. The van is used for ski programs, summer camps and adventure-based learning.
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Where can I get tickets to the Great Bay Food Festival?
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the festival's website.
"Ticket sales are already going through the roof," Weiland said. "We definitely have a following. We have people asking about (the festival) before we even start to plan it."
The festival ticket does not include reserved parking or a reserved picnic table — those are available for an additional fee. All tickets are non-refundable.
Which food trucks are on the menu?
A variety of cuisines will be served, including seafood, chowder, gyros, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, crepes, ice cream, desserts and more.
"I think the people will be really happy to see some of these new vendors as well as the existing vendors that have come every year," Weiland said.
Food trucks participating include Bird's Nest Italian Streetfood, Deadproof Pizza, Cafe El Camino, Fat Belly BBQ, Kimberly's Gluten Free Kitchen, North Shore Beefy Boys, One Happy Clam, Pours & Petals, Stark Brewing Company, Wicked Tasty, Seacoast Street Eats, Tin Can Co., Stratham Fire Auxiliary, Peaks Food Truck and The Hidden Pig.
There will also be several dessert trucks, including The Burstin' Kernel, Chubba Wubba, Clyde's Cupcakes, Pastry Dream, Seacoast Pretzel Company and Just Chillin' Cool Treats and Beverages.
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Who will be selling their wares?
The Mobile Marketplace will be set up next to the Kid's Zone and will sell unique artisan crafts.
"We have someone who is doing jewelry, someone doing T-shirts and hats," Weiland said. "We have another one doing bags, like tote bags and things like that."
Vendors include American Shaman of Plaistow, Cousin Dean's Hot Sauce, Kilmain Crystals, Marc Fournier Art, Sisu Jewelry Company, Soulight Rising, Naked Hot Sauces, Rejuvenations Professional Message, Joy & James and Bags by Kathy Meserve.
What's the Kid's Zone?
The Kid's Zone will be set up next to the playground and there will be games and face painting.
What's being sold at the Beer Garden?
A Beer Garden sponsored by the Old Salt Restaurant in Hampton will be set up in the enclosed area of the ballfield.
"One of the things that is different this year is within the Beer Garden," Weiland said. "We have quite a few local beer distributors that are going to be there… I really like the idea that we are supporting local this year in the Beer Garden."
The Old Salt will serve North Country Original, White Claw Black Cherry, Great Rhythm Squeeze, Coors Light and on tap, Tributary Pale Ale and Chapel & Main Dolce Vita Italian Pilsner.
Visitors will need to show ID to gain a wristband to enter the Beer Garden. Only those 21 and up will be served.
What's the entertainment?
There will be entertainment in the Beer Garden, the Kid's Zone and near the food trucks. Performers include Jamie Martin and Mugshot and Dan Morgan of Dan Morgan Music. A third act will be announced later.
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Where do we park?
There are 80 reserved premium parking spots located in the main parking lot at Stratham Hill Park available to purchase for $40.
Premium parking may only be purchased as an add-on to admission. It cannot be purchased separately.
Free onsite parking is offered at the end of Jack Rabbit Lane in the open field behind Stratham Hill Park (Gordon Barker Town Forest). This parking area is the closest to the event but on grassy and uneven surfaces. Parking will not be allowed on Jack Rabbit Lane.
Parking will be allowed on Route 33 eastbound only in designated spots. Please note Sandy Point Road will be closed to through traffic, and parking will not be allowed.
If you know the trails at Stratham Hill Park, you will find it best to park at Stratham Memorial School, 39 Gifford Farm Road. This lot will have access to the event via the Tote Road trail. This lot is less than a half mile from the entrance gate.
What about handicapped parking?
Handicapped parking is available at the main lot at Stratham Hill Park. Proper signage will need to be displayed to park in the handicapped lot.
What should I bring?
The festival will be held outside on the grass so feel free to bring folding chairs, a cooler, and blankets to sit and enjoy the food and Stratham Hill Park.
If you don't want to bring anything, you can also reserve your own picnic table during the event for $25. Tables will be located throughout the festival and selected upon arrival on a first-come-first-served basis.
Are pets allowed?
There are no pets allowed inside the festival.
Is there a rain date?
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place rain or shine.
More information: greatbayfoodtruckfestival.com