FOOD TRUCKS: The big fad may be more than that. Arlington will soon get a look

The fast-growing food truck obsession started with just a handful of trucks here and there, but local roaming-restaurateurs have proven that meals-on-wheels may not be a passing fad.

In keeping with this notion, Experience Arlington, U.S. Foods, and the Texas Rangers have partnered to sponsor the biggest convergence of food trucks to date. The first annual Texas Food Truckin’ Fest will take place on April 26 and 27 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The eclectic roster includes Tin Star Taco Taxi, Simply Dosa, Oink and Moo, andYellow Belly, among many more established local food trucks. Others will truck in from around the state to make for about 50 total trucks.

U.S. Foods representative Heather Kelldorf says the ballpark was a natural choice for the event’s projected size and atmosphere. “Since U.S. Foods works with most of the trucks in Dallas and Fort Worth, we thought Arlington would be a great central location between the two cities,” Kelldorf said.

She added that there are currently more than 60 trucks in the DFW area alone, and this will be a way to introduce them to thousands of potential customers who might not have crossed paths with the trucks.

Decima Cooper, director of public relations for Experience Arlington, said that April seems like an especially appropriate time as it converges with the start of baseball season, but they're also interested in showing off Arlington's non-sports side.

“This will be the largest event of its kind in Texas,” Cooper said. “We are excited to show that Arlington is more than just a sports city, and you can’t go wrong with food trucks. It will be a fun, family-friendly way to show off another side of the city.”

Cooper said the organizers were "bombarded" with queries from food truck owners eager to take part in the event. Adult tickets are $10 for a one-day pass and $12 for both days, and children 12 and under are $5, with children under 32 inches free. Fifteen percent of proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Parking will be free and tickets will go on sale "soon." Follow the event's Facebook page for updates.