5th Annual Truck Off set for Sept. 10 at County Fairgrounds

The Fifth Annual Truck Off welcomes all ages 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock.

Featuring dozens of food trucks, come hungry to indulge in global flavors like Mexican birria, Hawaiian poké, Italian arancini, Polish pierogi and Filipino lumpia, said Erica Burke, Truck Off founder.

“There will also be trucks with a cult following like The Original Rainbow Cone and Cheesie's grilled cheese, plus crowd pleasers like burgers, barbecue, pizza, sandwiches and sweets,” Burke said. "We're excited to welcome back Girls Got Balls, who recently competed on The Food Network's Great Food Truck Race."

Nothing goes better with great fare than something refreshing for which to wash it all down. With craft beer pairing so well with food trucks, Truck Off developed a commemorative beer with their friends at Sew Hop'd Brewing in Huntley. Dubbed Convoy Kölsch, this light, bright German-style brew pays homage to the fleet of trucks at the fairgrounds and will be available only at the event in limited quantities.

"Having a special beer is a bucket list item for Truck Off – and who better than Sew Hop'd, a fantastic brewer here in McHenry County who has supported our event over the years!" Burke said.

Food and drink are not the only attractions at Truck Off. Billed as America’s Greatest Mind Reader, Joe Diamond and his team will wander and wow the crowds. A vendor market will be on hand. Family-friendly games and activities are planned.

There will be live music all evening. The show opens with rockabilly legend Rick Lindy & the Wild Ones; the fun continues with '80s band Jessie's Girl; headliner Rumor Hazit keeps brings it home with dance, rock & pop from the '80s till today.

Admission costs are $10 for a presale general admission ticket or $20 for a VIP presale ticket, available at truckoff.net, where a complete list of confirmed vendors and other event details also are located. Ticket prices increase at the door.

General admission is free for children who are 12 and younger. VIPs are admitted to the grounds an hour early and receive two free drink tickets each.

Having launched Truck Off in 2017, Burke's company McHenry County Living is co-organizing with the McHenry County Fair Foundation for the second consecutive year.

A portion of admissions and 100 percent of drink sales benefit the foundation, Burke said.

“We've always recognized the importance of giving back to the local community,” Burke said. “Truck Off has raised more than $12,000 for McHenry County charities.”

Burke said the partnership between MCL and the fair board began after Truck Off outgrew its inaugural space on the Woodstock Square. The food truck fest has taken place at the fairgrounds since 2018. But the bond truly gelled after both event organizers — like their counterparts everywhere — suffered a challenging 2020, which saw Truck Off and other events canceled.

“As we both reimagined events and our overall visions after 2020, it became clear that we both could bring key strengths to the table that would make for a great partnership for Truck Off,” said Susan Simons, secretary of the McHenry County Fair Foundation.

“Our organization has elevated our events," she continued, "and Truck Off fits nicely within our vision to grow our fundraising for McHenry County Fair infrastructure, educational activities and entertainment."

Those interested are encouraged to check out additional event details by visiting truckoff.net.