NoHo Rockin’ Food Truck Festival: Fun, Food, & Dogs

On Saturday, a group of North Hollywood animal lovers gathered to sample from a variety of food trucks, shop for arts and crafts, and enjoy tunes from local bands, all in the name of animal rescue.

The event, known as the NoHo Rockin’ Food Truck Fest, took place in a parking lot on Burbank Blvd, just west of Lankershim. Portions of the proceeds from the $5 entry fee ($4 if pre purchased online) as well as sales from food and vendors benefited Hope for Paws, a non-profit animal rescue organization run by Eldad and Audrey Spilker Hagar.

Hope for Paws rescues dogs from shelters and the streets, rehabilitates them, and gets them ready for adoption. The organization has a famous YouTube channel in which they document the rescue process.

“As I’m going out in the street in different neighborhoods I have my camera with me so wherever my eye goes my camera goes. I get some amazing videos from the moment I see the dog to the process of coming home,” says Eldad.

Eldad says one of the more touching experiences he’s had with Hope For Paws is his recent rescue of a blind dog named Fiona who they found sleeping in a pile of trash.

“She was blind in both eyes and we took her home and cleaned her up and took her to the vet. The video was out and thousands of people saw it from everywhere in the world and donated and we got her into surgery, had them implant a new lens in her eye, and she can see now. She went from completely blind with no reaction at all to being able to see!”

Eldad brought several of his canine survivors with him for attendees to snap photos with. During the festival, Hope For Paws was selling copies of Our Lives Have Gone to The Dogs, a book filled with photos and stories of animals they have rescued with proceeds benefiting the organization.

Annie Uemura posed for a picture with her German Shepherd/Retriever Border Collie mix, Hannah.

“I came out today because I wanted to support Hope for Paws and buy the book. I’m probably going to get something to eat, but that’s the main reason that I came,” explained Uemura.

Cynthia Turkington, one of the producers of the event, explained that the food truck festival was conceived out of a love for North Hollywood:

“We love NoHo. It’s a really great mix of people and it’s really starting to move we feel, and it’s a great place. We thought, let’s have events here and have the community come out. And we love dogs and animals and we wanted to benefit dog rescue. This is the of this type that we’ve put on.”

In addition to a food trucks and vendors, provided a beer and wine garden for thirsty patrons. Hard Rock Café had a van on the premise and 100.3 FM was on site with a booth. A stage was set up in the center of the festival with local bands such as Paper Chase performing for people that sat at tables and enjoyed their meals. There were giveaways, a raffle, and people walking dogs throughout the festival.

“It really is a fun event,” said North Hollywood resident Brian Elder. “I just ate a delicious cupcake from Sweet E’s truck and am happy to help out a great organization like Hope For Paws with the money I spent here today.”