UPDATE: Event has been canceled. Click HERE.

 

ORIGINAL: The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival promises seasonal family fun, festive eats, and dancing in the streets. It all takes place 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 31, in downtown Bridgeport.

 

“The ABB has been meeting for months, pinning down some fun features for this year’s kickoff,” said Jaclyn Rominger, Associated Businesses of Bridgeport president. “We want to provide family-friendly activities to kick off the summer season and lots of live music to keep everyone happy and lively throughout the event.”

 

All the elements of smalltown USA will be in place to launch the summer season in style. Main attractions include a beachball drop, giant sandbox, kids’ inflatables, games, live music, The Quantum Express trackless train, and a Car Cruise-In. Those who would like to show off their cars should arrive between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m., entering via Newton Avenue (across from Bridgeport Post Office) and Orchard Street (which leads to Main Street). Because Main Street will be closed to traffic and used for foot traffic during the event, cars will need to remain at the event until it is over at 7 p.m.

 

From the main stage, “Eighties Enough” will perform throughout the evening. Located along Main Street will be LeRoy & Gigs (at Winnie’s Café), Jessica Nuzum (at Bridgeport Fire Station), and Abbigail McAllister (at WV Kicks).

 

Food trucks on site will include Mister Crabb, Heavenly Hoagies, The Lunch Box, Big Kahuna, Hanlan’s Meat Market, Wonder Bubble, Mr. Taco, Almost Heaven Kona Ice, Yum Yum Grab Ya Some, and South Texas BBQ. Most will be set up between Davis Street and Center Street with a couple on the other side of the bridge – in the parking lot of WV Kicks and Allstate Insurance, said Hilary Gonzalez of the ABB board. Set up under pop-ups will be Kettle Pop, Pixie Sweets and Dish D’ Design. ABB member businesses will set up canopies to offer kids’ games and activities.

 

Orchestrating activities from the main stage will be Dr. Mark Povroznik who will introduce dancers of Studio 9 Dance Academy and emcee the Dave’s Famous T&L Hotdog “Big Dog” Eating Contest and the Della’s Deli Berry Pie Bakeoff. Both contests are still accepting contestants.

 

In the Big Dog Eating Contest, a panel of participants will compete to eat the most hotdogs – buns and all – during the 10-minute allotment. The winner will win $500. Upload an entry form HERE and official rules HERE. Entry forms can be turned in at any Dave's Famous T&L Hot Dog locations or submitted via email to tandlhotdogs@aol.com. 

 

Any type of berry pie is eligible for pie baking contest. Download and print an entry form HERE. The pie judging table will be located just across Main Street from the stage. Pies must be dropped off between 4-5 p.m. after which judging will take place. Afterwards, pie will be available for tasting by Summer Kickoff attendees.

 

Main Street traffic will shut down between Virginia Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue around 3:45 p.m and reopen shortly after 7 p.m. During that time, traffic will be rerouted along Virginia and Philadelphia avenues.

 

ABB member Doug Marquette said the event will take place "rain or shine."