PHOTOS: Thousands Attend Food Truck Fest For Fairfield Library

FAIRFIELD, CT — A delicious fundraiser was back in town Sunday when the Friends of Fairfield Public Library's Fairfield Food Truck Festival took place at Jennings Beach.

"It's a huge success," said Danielle Sharp, director of development for the group. "So far people have been enjoying themselves and appreciative of the event, and appreciative of the library as well."

Around 3,000 visitors came out, each with a $5 donation to enter the fair-like event and enjoy food from one of a dozen participating trucks.

"I really wasn't expecting this many folks to come out today," said Mike Foley, Friends board member, noting that while in years past the festival has drawn around 4,000, despite a smaller scale this year — and limited advertising to keep numbers a bit lower — turnout was still substantial.

Customers were happy to be there after the festival had missed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just fun to finally all be back together and outside, and just being around people," said Kristy Michaud of Fairfield. "And the kids are loving the food."

Paige Ringelheim, 11, of Fairfield, concurred.

"The food's good," she said. "I had this waffle ice cream sundae. And the fries are good."

Her mother, too, was glad to take part.

"It's nice to be at an outdoor event again," Annie Ringelheim said, "seeing everybody and feeling everything is happening again."

Along with appreciation for the event and its range of food trucks, which included different cuisine, people were also talking about the library itself.

"It's a refuge," said Friends board member Helen D'Avanzo, noting that through fundraisers such as this the organization is able to help add extra amenities, programs and supplies that it might not otherwise afford.