Weekend Eats: The 'World's Largest Food Truck Fest'

Attention, foodies! More than 85 food trucks have been invited to participate in what's being billed as the "World's Largest Food Truck Fest" on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For gourmet truck participants, the event kicks off at 8:45 a.m. at Encore!, billed as "downtown's tempo district," an under-construction mixed-use development at 1210 East Ray Charles Boulevard. The food trucks will gather there, then "parade" to the Florida State Fairgrounds at 9:15 a.m.

Once the trucks are at the fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301, the rally will run from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. About 15 live bands are scheduled to perform. Parking at the fairgrounds is $6, according to a website notice.

Helping to bring together the event are Generation Food Truck, Truckspotting.com and local food blog Carlos Eats. According to the World's Largest Food Truck Fest online, "the current record is 62 trucks, set at Magic City Casino in Miami earlier this year." The Aug. 31 event, presented by Generation Food Truck and the Florida State Fairgrounds Authority, is set to "have about 40 trucks more than that, at least!"

Michael Lynch of Truckspotting.com, who is helping organize the rally, said the event has never been held in Tampa before.

"We live here, and wanted to show the world the amazing food talent that can be found in Tampa Bay," he said.

• For more on Generation Food Truck, see Food Truck 'Revoution' Hits Winthrop at Brandon Patch.