Food Trucks and Farmer’s Market
Bring Good Tastes to Grove
By Don Lowe
Downtown Grove, Oklahoma, will be all abuzz with events from surrounding areas on a weekly basis the remainder of this spring and throughout summer.
In particular, for all those who are interested in tempting their taste buds, plenty of options will be available quite regularly.
According to Donnie Crain, president of Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, “Grove’s Food Truck Fridays (beginning May 3) will take place the first Friday of each month on Grove’s Community Lawn through October. There will be a great selection of food trucks, along with live music, kids’ activities and a different theme each month.
“Grove Farmer’s Market (beginning Saturday, May 4) will take place each Wednesday and Saturday on Grove’s Community Lawn through mid-October. This will be a wonderful place to get the very freshest, local produce and support local farmers.”
As for a few fairly specific details regarding the food trucks, Crain estimated there will be “approximately eight to 12 each month” and they’ll feature specialty items such as “Italian ice, barbecue, gourmet hot dogs, kettle corn and pork skins.”
Live bands are scheduled to perform each month in conjunction with the food trucks, but as of early April, Crain said those musical attractions were “still negotiating” to get everything firmed up.
All of the overall themes that are likely to be prominent have been decided and Crain said these include, “Oklahoma Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (May), Anglers in Action Big Bass Bash (June) and 4th of July Patriotic festivities.
“Southern Drag Boat Association Drag Boat Races Block Party (July 12), GLOC Performance Boat Races Block Party (July 26), car show (August), with September still to be decided and Green County Spyder Jamboree (October).”
The farmer’s market is sure to be a crowded place as well and Crain speculated the number of vendors will be “approximately six to eight on Wednesdays and 10 to 12 on Saturdays.”
Crain added most of the vendors are from the Grove vicinity and “surrounding 30-mile area, as the crow flies” and he said it’s “a producer-only market with vegetables and hand-crafted items.”
In thinking about what makes both the food trucks and farmer’s market popular, Crain said it’s, “Live music and activities on Grove’s Community Lawn in downtown Grove, America, which is truly Americana at its best. It’s a fun, family-friendly, festive atmosphere.”
Crain said what makes these things successful is they are, “fun, and there’s different things each week and month. Promotions and marketing help spread the word and build awareness along with support from locals and visitors.”
Crain is proud to be a part of it all and said, “They are both important components of what makes Grove and Grand Lake a special place to live and visit. It’s small-town America at its very best. Both events offer great opportunities for our community to come together and support local farmers and businesses. There will be lots of fun for all.”
Grove, Oklahoma
Food Trucks & Farmer’s Market
Fast Facts
What: Food Trucks and Farmer’s Market
When: Once a month (Food Trucks)
Bi-weekly (Farmer’s Market)
Who: Featured food trucks include Ropin’ Flamingo Italian Ice, The Local, Blazin’ B’s BBQ, Ginger Jake’s, Arbuckle’s Kettle Corn and more. Farmer’s market vendors representing Grove, Ottawa County, Oklahoma, Jay, Oklahoma, McDonald County, Missouri, and Benton County, Arkansas.
Variety of Vegetables/Produce: Varies by
growing season with corn, tomatoes, squash and berries, especially blueberries, along with honey and wines throughout the season.
Making it All Possible: Grove Chamber of Commerce/Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau/Local Retail Committee/City of Grove