A few years ago, a group of area food truck owners teamed up with Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR) and held an outdoor event. The food fest and fundraiser netted $5,000 for GSFR. Recently, Nick Good, chief of staff and public information officer for GSFR, was asked if it might be a good idea to hold a similar event. "I said, 'It was a success,'" recalled Good. "It started rolling from there."

The Taste of New Holland Food Fest will be held in the GSFR parking lot, 330 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, April 26, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 27, from 3 to 8 p.m. Special Kids Hour activities will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 27. More than 10 food trucks will be on site, and live music will be provided for the entertainment pleasure of attendees. The fundraiser will be held rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, the GSFR hall will be available for indoor seating.

Food trucks that will be in attendance will include Castanedas Food Truck, Hen House Grilling & BBQ, Piper Belle's BBQ, and Skip's Food Truck. The Garden Spot Fire Rescue food trailer will be on hand selling oyster sandwiches, and the New Holland Lions Club will sell ham and cheese sandwiches. Snack items will be provided by NiCE SiZE FRiES and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Sweets will be available for purchase from Lickity Split Ice Cream, Mr. Mini's Tasty Donuts, and Lorah's Handmade Chocolates. Noel's Cafe coffee trailer will be present on April 26. Organizer Danielle Landis said that the plan was to incorporate as many local food trucks as possible, adding, "It's where local food meets community support."

According to Good, Kids Hour activities will all be fire-prevention related. GSFR Captain Wes Kopp noted that the smoke trailer and fire house will be on-site. Fire trucks will be on display and bucket rides will be available. "We will dunk the fire chief (in a dunk tank)," added Good.

Airbrush tattoos and face painting will also be offered.

Live music for the event will be provided by Hit Show with Dave Heisey, Brent Kerchner, and special guests.

Prizes and giveaways will include themed baskets and items donated by local businesses. Organizer Mitch Dissinger said that grand prizes will include an electric scooter donated by E-Bike Guys of PA and an Escape Room experience for six.

Good noted that limited handicapped-accessible parking will be provided in the GSFR lot, but most attendees may park at St. Stephen Reformed Church, 249 E. Main St., New Holland. More information about the event may be found by searching for "Garden Spot Fire Rescue" on Facebook.