The volunteer committee that organizes the annual Waveny fireworks is pursuing a plan that will bring diverse new food options to New Canaan and area families attending the popular picnic and nighttime show.
Grabbing a piece of the lawn at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Credit: Michael Dinan
Though details have yet to be worked out, members of the New Canaan Family Fourth Committee said seven food trucks, including one with desserts, will serve attendees at the Monday, July 4 event. Joining mainstays Exchange Club and Garelick & Herbs, which will continue to provide beverages and some foods, the trucks will offer pizza, grass-fed burgers, lobster rolls, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, tacos and ice cream, according to committee member Suzanne Jonker, who developed the idea.
The Blackwell family—Rhonda, Andrew and Houston—having a great time at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Credit: Michael Dinan
“It’s convenient. It’s fun,” Jonker told NewCanaanite.com. “It’s adding a new dimension. It’s like getting a food court.”
Plans now call for the trucks to park in the Orchard Field lot, toward the main road through Waveny—roughly opposite where the food vendors have always set up their tents.
Tom Stadler, the committee’s chairman, said the food trucks are designed to complement the food offerings from Garelick & Herbs’ owner Paula Garelick.
Inflatable and other mini-playgrounds for kids out front of Waveny House at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Credit: Michael Dinan
“I think what she [Garelick] does is wonderful,” Stadler said.
Tickets to the Family Fourth at Waveny will go sale around June 1. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a town-funded event—the kitty that pays for the fireworks show itself and other amenities for attendees is driven almost entirely by ticket sales.
Fireworks at the New Canaan Family Fourth 2015 at Waveny. Contributed
Recently, due to unexpected costs, the fund was severely depleted and the committee required a very good year in 2015 to set it right again. Stadler urged residents to purchase family passes once they’re available.
Stadler said he’s excited at the prospect of introducing food trucks as an option at the Family Fourth.
“Food trucks are ‘in,’ ” he said. “They work.”