Truck Off 2021 comes to county fairgrounds Sept. 11

WOODSTOCK — The Fourth Annual Truck Off is set for savoring from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock.

Featuring 40 food trucks with names like My Mama’s Donuts, Kissed by Fire and Your Sister’s Tomato, the salivation spectrum is deliciously diverse, said Erica Burke, president and CEO of McHenry County Living and Truck Off founder.

“MCL polled our readership to find out what sort of fresh events they wanted in McHenry County. A food truck festival came out on top, and so Truck Off was born,” Burke said. “Now, many of the truck operators create special-edition menu items for our event!”

Having launched Truck Off in 2017, McHenry County Living is co-organizing it this year with the McHenry County Fair Foundation. This year’s Truck Off pays tribute to first responders. Police, fire and emergency personnel, as well as their spouses and children, are admitted free in honor of the 9/11 anniversary.

Attendees of all stripes will find that enticing scents, mouth-watering menus and thirst-quenching libations aren’t the only attractions at Truck Off. Billed as America’s Greatest Mind Reader, Joe Diamond will wander the crowd with other conjurors and mystics. A vendor market will be on hand. Family-friendly games and activities are planned. In the evening, GOOROOS opens for headlining band 7th Heaven.

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. Tickets will be $5 more at the gate. General admission is free for children who are 12 and younger. VIP admission is free for children 2 and younger. VIPs are admitted to the grounds an hour early and receive two free drink tickets each.

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

“Ever since our inaugural event, we 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 immediately outgrew its 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 that difficult year, it became clear that we both 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 and Truck Off fits nicely within our vision to grow our fundraising for McHenry County Fair infrastructure, educational activities and entertainment."

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during Truck Off, social distancing will be encouraged and hand-sanitizing stations will be present at the outdoor event.

Those interested are encouraged to check out additional event details by following the Truck Off Facebook page.