The Chow Down Downtown Food Truck Rodeo returns to Christiansburg for the seventh consecutive year.
by Cory Van Dyke
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. — Downtown Christiansburg Inc. hosted the seventh annual Chow Down Downtown Food Truck Rodeo on Friday, September 13. A total of 16 food trucks made the trip to West Main Street in downtown Christiansburg.
With thousands of locals strolling the streets, the Food Truck Rodeo offers a huge economic boost for the community. Downtown Christiansburg Inc. president Justin Sanders notes that the intense year-long planning pays off once the day of the event rolls around.
“When I see so many of my friends and neighbors smiling and laughing and having a great time, it’s all worth it,” Sanders said. “Those happy faces and the connections that we are able to facilitate by gathering the community together for a great night are the best.”
Sanders estimates that 6,000 – 7,500 people attended the Food Truck Rodeo despite the gloomy weather.
“Food Truck Rodeo was started as a way to get people in downtown Christiansburg and show off the incredible things it has to offer,” Downtown Christiansburg Inc. president Justin Sanders said.
Furry friends like Mickey take in the scents from all the different food options.
16 food trucks from all over the state find their way to Christiansburg. Thai This from Radford exemplifies the unique cuisine at the rodeo.
One of the hottest commodities is the personal pizzas from 800 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza.
The locals demand for a funnel cake vendor results in Suzie’s Funnel Cakes based out of Pulaski being invited to the rodeo.
Fresh smells like those from the smoker at Master Sergeant BBQ fill the air of downtown Christiansburg.
“Food Truck Rodeo is a major economic event for our region,” Sanders said. “Food Trucks are small businesses, and the money they make gets reinvested into our local economy.”
Smooshed ice cream sandwiches satisfies the sweet tooth at the end of the night.
The New Habit Band, a local bluegrass band, performs to keep the vibes flowing at the Food Truck Rodeo.
“I hope that we can continue to grow and expand not just our number of food trucks and size of the event, but also our participation of local businesses,” Sanders said. “If we can get another 10 or 15 people coming downtown regularly, we’ve done our job.” (Photos by Cory Van Dyke)
