SLIDESHOW: Families Said Framingham Needs More Events Like MetroFest

Saturday was the inaugural MetroFest, an arts, food, and cultural festival, presented by the MetroWest Tourism & Visitors Bureau at Bowditch Field in Framingham.

Thousands attended the event, which featured more than two dozen food trucks and entertainment, including a free performance by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band.

For more on the free entertainment, including video clips and a slideshow, click here.

And just like the music was diverse from Brazilian, to rock ’n roll, to Caribbean and African beats to blues, so was the food choice options at the trucks.

From candied bacon, to Maine lobster rolls, to gourmet grilled cheese to home-made salted caramel ice cream and red velvet Whoopie pies, there was something for everyone.

“The fried cauliflower in aioli sauce from The Dining Car was the best,” said Melanie Zoltan to Framingham Patch.

Noreen Bigelow agreed with Zoltan on the fried cauliflower.

Patty Ames said the “Vietnamese BBQ pork sandwich with Thai Basil lemonade” was fabulous.

Jean Esposito said Bone Daddy’s burgers were so juicy.

Trolley Dogs received high marks from many of the youths in attendance, as well as adults.

Jacqueline Oberg loved the “Vietnamese chicken rice bowl.”

Laurie Seaver said the “scallion pancake grilled cheese,” was the best thing she ate Saturday.

The fish ‘n chips and clam chowder from the Captain Marsden’ truck was delicious, said Jane Ford.

Many were happy to have so many choices - from vegetarian, to gluten-free to organic to healthy options, as well as the very popular bacon food truck.

“We were pleasantly surprised by how many food trucks had gluten-free options,” said Zoltan.

There were even gluten-free Whoopie pies.

And while many raved about the food, just as many praised MetroFest, as a great family-friendly event - something Framingham needs more of.

“I hope there are more family events like this at Bowditch. Great day, very organized,” said Ellen Lemieux.

“Awesome event,” said Jill Hayward.

“Great music and lots of fun for the kids,” said Ford.

“Would love to see more of these events happen,” said Robin Grossman, who said she enjoyed the tacos and grilled cheese.

“I hope they do this every year,” said Bigelow.

Jean Becker agreed. “Hope they do it next year again!”

“What a great festival and I wish we had food trucks every week at the Framingham Farmer’s Market,” said Zoltan.

Jennifer Bossio-Collins enjoyed the festival, but agreed with many families that Framingham needs to hold more family-friendly events like MetroFest.

“Framingham really needs to step up their family events this town does or celebrates barely anything compared to other towns,” she said.

Besides the food and entertainment, there were more than 50 vendors and community booths.

For children, MetroFest had a Kids Town featuring bouncy houses, face painting, arts & craft tables, hockey shoots, temporary tattoos, balloon animals, mascot appearances and a magician.

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Framingham Patch published some photos from the event on our Facebook page. We will be added more photos all day Sunday and into Monday.