There is light at the end of a long winter tunnel.
The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport has set the date and time for this year’s Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival in downtown Bridgeport.
Featuring a patriotic theme in this semisesquentennial year, the event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 30.
“This year being the 250th birthday of our country and since this event is so ‘Small Town USA,’ we envision lots of red, white and blue and possibly even an appearance by Uncle Sam,” said ABB President Jaclyn Rominger.
In addition to main stage entertainment, various local artists will perform along Main Street and member businesses will host seasonal games and activities as food trucks line the street offering their specialties. The iconic hot dog eating contest, pie baking contest, car cruise-in, and giant sandbox are also expected to be part of the kickoff.
In the preliminary planning stages, the ABB is looking for business sponsors to support the event. Sponsorships of $500 will enable the committee to secure quality entertainment and other attractions.

Typically located at Main and Center streets, the main stage will be relocated due to the Center Street bridge demolition and construction. There are obstacles to overcome, but the committee is certain this year’s event will be one to remember.
“We had to cancel last year’s event due to a damaged utility pole on Main Street and the danger of foot traffic in the area,” Rominger said. “So, the ABB – and we believe the community – is especially eager for this year’s summer kickoff event.”
If you have a food truck and would like to be part of this year’s celebration, contact Lisa Lang at galbds@aol.com. If your ABB member business would like to sponsor the event or if your business is within city limits and pays B&O taxes to the City of Bridgeport and you would like to join the ABB, contact Hilary Gonzalez at hilary.gonzalez@kaufmanrealty.com. To be part of the car show, contact Doug Marquette at doug@marquetteinsurancewv.com.
Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport in the coming weeks and months for more details about this year’s ABB Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival.

