In recent years, throughout the area, food trucks bearing a wide variety of foods and snacks have sprung up almost like mushrooms. The DuBoistown Volunteer Fire Company has found a way to showcase these food trucks and their various bills of fare, and at the same time act as a fundraiser to benefit the financial coffers of their fire department. They will be hosting the Second Annual “Battle of the Food Trucks” at the parking lot at the rear of the fire hall at 2551 Euclid Avenue on Saturday, November 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine.

“I came up with the idea two years ago when driving and I saw the food trucks and said how can we use this help benefit the fire department,” Daniel Rice, event coordinator, told “Webb Weekly.” “I felt that it was a new and fresh approach to something that has never been done in this area, and puts many different cuisines in one area, and it has been a passion since.”

He states that “planning starts about two months after the event wraps up for the following year. “ He said it is critical to find sponsors and finding those sponsors, is the hardest part. He has had a great deal of help from Rogers Uniforms’ CEO Jody Rogers, but when Jody Rogers stepped up to the plate, it gave him a new wind in his sails to continue.

“This event is crucial for fundraising for the fire department for equipment, maintenance, and training of staff to be at the ready if and when the community calls on them,” Rice said. The DuBoistown Fire Department is a volunteer department of about 30 active members.

He said multiple vendors will set up and will compete for “Best Food Truck in the Region” and there will be a panel of professional judges on hand. However, the public gets a say in five categories — Best Desserts, Best Overall Savory, and first, second and third Prize trophies to the top performers.

“This is just a fun day for families, and is free to get in, and a lot of great food,“ Rice said. “I hope that this is an event that continues for many years and many residences get amped up for the event.”

There will be a Kids’ Zone, a chance to tour the station and trucks, and Chinese auctions with a grand prize of a Pittsburgh Steelers package complete with tickets.