For its final food truck rally of the year this Saturday, Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 is pairing a wide selection of international and American cuisines with a craft show featuring handmade jewelry and other artisan wares.
During the fundraising doldrums of the pandemic, the fire company had to develop new sources of income. Food truck rallies filled the niche, said Brennan Sites, assistant chief of Company No. 3.
This is the third rally of the year.
About 30 craft artisans will sell handmade jewelry, woodwork, crocheted items, holiday decorations and more.
“You will never come to the same food truck rally,” Sites said. “We try to incorporate something different each time.”
Next year, the department is planning four food truck rallies, including an evening event featuring whiskey and craft beer.
The craft show will be held inside the fire company’s garage. The 13 food and drink vendors will be outside on the fire department’s grounds.
“We will have a lot of the same food trucks, but they will offer up a fall menu,” Sites said.
Craft beer and local wine will be on tap.
A large tent with seating will be available for dining.
Patrons will see their dollars in action, as the fire department is in the process of painting the exterior of their building, which is part of a $60,000 renovation project.
The firehouse was last updated about 26 years ago, Sites said.
The renovations include work on the roof, repointing the brick, new windows and a new heating and air conditioning system.
The improvements aren’t just for the firefighters but also the public, Sites said. “Our facility also serves as a shelter for the city so our air conditioners and heaters must function well in case residents need it.”
