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‘Streat’ festival welcomes locals and visitors for diverse food array

D. EVERETT SMITH/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Emma, 3, left, attends the second annual Williamsport “Streat” Food Festival at Bowman Field, with her mother, Shannon Nelson and her aunt, Danielle. Emma is getting an ice cream cone from Kyra Kifolo, of Lewisburg Freez.

It was a carnival-like atmosphere at the second annual Williamsport “Streat” Food Festival in the parking lot of BB&T Stadium at Bowman Field. More than 21 food trucks and vendors set up shop and served food to customers.

Thousands of people walked through the parking lot to sample food, according to Jessie Novinger, city director of the Department of Recreation and Special Events.

In the background, music from Oldiez 93 FM played for the beginning of the event, while local musicians and took over until the end.

The highlight of the day was a “Chopped”-like event, which featured four of the vendors given mysterious ingredients and then timed for 40 minutes to create an appetizer. John Finn, news director for Backyard Broadcasting; Colton Ulmer, a baker from Just Like Mom Made; and Mayor Gabriel J. Campana served as judges.

Finn said each of the four vendors received cherry tomatoes, kale and garlic hummus, chicken tenders, Dijon mustard and the secret ingredient honey granola.

The winner of the event was Gunzey’s Hot Sausage, of Lewisburg. Mark Strous, received $150 prize.

“This was pretty cool and a lot of fun,” said Strous, who received the check from Novinger.

Novinger said events like this show not the just the community, but the world, that Williamsport is a home to the growing food culture.

“If you cook food and are mobile, we’d love to have you,” Novinger said.

She added hosting this event at the home of the Crosscutter’s just made it extra special. She said this was “a chance for us to show off our assets here in Williamsport.”

Campana agreed with her and said he hoped more events could be held at Bowman Field.

“This area can be multipurposed and it is easily located,” said Campana.

However, Campana made it a point to praise Novinger for organizing the event.

“I have to commend the recreation director and the recreation commission for putting this function together,” said Campana. “We are so glad to have it here in such beautiful weather.”

Some of the vendors said an event like this was a great way to open up their trucks and businesses to new customers.

Earl Blagman, of Blagman’s Wheelin’ and Grillin’, said he started his business back in 2017 to help out the homeless who were in need. By attending the ‘Streat’ Festival, customers were able to try his gourmet barbecue food.

“I got into the food business because I love to give back,” said Blagman, who attended with his wife Tara, his son Mohammad and daughter Jade.

Another vendor traveled from Lancaster County to attend the event.

“I’ve been doing this for six years,” said Jim Erickson, owner of Bountiful Feast Roving Restaurant. “It is always good to come to communities to see the diversity in cooking.”

Erickson said his style is fusion of American comfort food with items from Costa Rica and Beliz.

Seeing such diversity in food trucks struck a chord with many of the event goers.

“This is awesome and it gave us something to do,” said Shannon Nelson, who attended the event with her daughter.

Nelson’s sister agreed.

“This is perfect for me,” Danielle Nelson said. “I love food.”

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