More food trucks and craft beer on tap for Lower Burrell fire company fundraisers

It’s food trucks galore with Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 scheduling three themed roundups with up to 16 food trucks and craft beer.

The events are set for May 1, July 24 and Oct. 9.

Although the pandemic caused Lower Burrell No. 3 and Kinloch (fire company No. 1), to cancel their joint carnival last year, No. 3 made their fundraising goal within two hours of last year’s first and only food truck event.

Close to 2,000 people attended the outdoor, socially distanced round-up in the fire department’s parking lot.

“We were overwhelmed by community support, and we hope they come out for these three events this year,” said Brennan Sites, No. 3’s assistant fire chief.

In fact, given the success and the public’s interest, the fire company doesn’t plan to hold a carnival. It will instead stage the three food truck events as their main fundraisers, he said.

For the round-ups, the fire company receives 20% of the vendors’ profits, thus sharing the risks and rewards with the vendors.

The fire company is working to install a digitized sign in front of its 3255 Leechburg Road fire house to advertise the food truck round-ups, other upcoming events, weather alerts and other news.

“We are trying to accomplish two things,” Sites said. “Bring to the people good food and a safe time. Then show them how great our city is and highlight our fire department and equipment so residents know our capabilities and how we serve the city every day.”

City Councilman Chris Fabry credits both of the city’s fire departments for their ability to roll with the cancellations of traditional events during the pandemic.

“Fire departments across the nation have to get creative with their fundraising efforts,” he said. “Kinloch saw great success in their tip raffles, and No. 3 has seen success with their food truck event.”

The May 1 food truck round-up will feature 12 to 16 food vendors offering ethnic food such as Mexican and Asian, wood-fired oven baked pizza, apple dumplings, homemade baked goods, gourmet popcorn and more.

The company is billing the July 24 event as a summer blowout with its same large lineup of vendors as well as 50 raffle baskets, other raffles, small games of chance and music.

The final roundup on Oct. 9, “Craft and Crafts,” will feature craft beer, food trucks and 20 craft vendors. Beverages will be offered by Conny Creek Brewery and the Wooden Door Winery, both of Allegheny Township.