Council approves food trucks in park

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GREENVILLE — Locals attending Greenville Municipal Concert Band performances this summer will have an opportunity to fill their bellies beforehand thanks to a decision by the Greenville City Council during a special meeting held Monday.

Council was asked to consider a proposal by Mainstreet Greenville, a non-profit organization committed to promoting growth in downtown Greenville, to allow up to five food trucks to sell food and drinks at the park.

For the past two years, Mainstreet Greenville has hosted an “Eat on the Street” food truck rally which hosted food trucks in downtown Greenville. Amber Garrett, executive director of Mainstreet Greenville, said the organization hoped a relocation to the city park would be a better venue for those in attendance and would attract more people to the park to see the performances.

“Our organization did not want to see the events end and we feel the park will provide a better location for the events to continue and hopefully grow over time,” Garrett said.

“Over the past two years, the events have grown in popularity and attendance,” said Garrett. “The park has shade, available seating, a shelter house, parking lot, and the band shell with entertainment provided by the Municipal Band on Sunday evenings.”

“We are very fortunate to have Kim Murray, a local citizen and Main Street Greenville volunteer, who has offered to take the lead in making the transition from downtown Greenville to the city park.”

Murray, representing Mainstreet Greenville before council, asked the body for a variance on rules regulating vendors at the park for three specific Sundays — July 10, August 14 and September 4 — days which coincide with performances by the Greenville Municipal Concert Band.

The vendors will be allowed to sell from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., finishing up before the concerts begin, and will be parked in the Marling Band Shell parking lot. The variance allowing sales is effective for the three specified days only.

In a letter to council, Murray wrote, “We will initially be inviting three trucks to the first event and hope to invite five trucks to the final two dates.”

Murray had initially approached council with the idea during the public portion of its June 7 regular session, but was told to return with a proposal in writing.

The park will not receive any compensation from the event, but Councilman Tracy Tryon expressed a hope that the park could see a donation in the future if the event was successful. Councilman Todd Oliver stated that if the request was made again in the future, council would like to get the information earlier if possible.

The motion to approve the variance was passed unanimously by the five council members in attendance: Oliver, Tryon, Dori Howdieshell, Steve Willman and Clarence Godwin.

Greenville City Council approved a measure allowing food trucks in the city park on three Sundays this summer. The food vendors will sell goods prior to performances by the Greenville Municipal Concert Band.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Greenville-Park-PRINT.jpgGreenville City Council approved a measure allowing food trucks in the city park on three Sundays this summer. The food vendors will sell goods prior to performances by the Greenville Municipal Concert Band. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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