London Morrogh bit into a fried chicken and waffle slider at the second Food Truck Rally on Saturday night.
Huddled close to a group of women, the 19-year-old Santa Fe College zoo animal technology freshman passed the sandwich to her friend, Shannon Nelson.
Nelson, 26, who is also a freshman in the program, sampled the slider and smiled.
“The light and fluffy waffle adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the crunchy chicken,” she said. “I am pleased with the chicken and waffles.”
Nelson said she went to the rally because she loves food.
“We’re going to get a little something from everybody,” she said.
Like Nelson and Morrogh, hundreds of students, families and residents gathered on the High Dive and Five Star Pizza parking lot at 210 SW Second Ave. to eat.
Pat Lavery, who promoted and co-created the original food truck rally, said there were more vendors, space and food options during Saturday’s event.
He said event organizers also decided to extend the rally’s hours to make the event feel less congested.
“This allowed the crowds to flow easily throughout the event,” Lavery said, “and people didn’t feel like they had to show up all at once.”
Although Lavery didn’t know exactly how many people attended the rally, he said there was about a 40 to 50 percent increase compared with the hundreds from the previous event.
People mingled as they waited in 10 different lines to sample mahimahi po’boys, grilled cheeses filled with bacon and tomatoes, cheesy tots, lobster rolls and ice-cream-filled tacos.
Jillian Roberts, a 20-year-old UF communication sciences and disorders sophomore, said she waited for almost an hour to try Off The Griddle’s California chicken wrap.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’m sure it’s going to be good.”
Lavery said he appreciates the support from local Gainesville residents and businesses.
“We are seeing a huge response from families, college kids and local professionals alike, all coming together for their mutual interest in unique food options and their love for local music,” he said. “We hope to have the next one in April before the Spring semester ends.”
