It was news to me when I heard that there was a new park and green space in Grovetown. A coworker asked if I’d been there yet, and I know I must have looked like the proverbial deer in headlights when I mumbled that no, I hadn’t. However, my curiosity was piqued, so I hit Google to see what it was about. Lo and behold, my search directed me to Columbia County’s website, and there it was revealed to me that an event called Food Truck Friday was scheduled for Friday, July 8.
I told Dean about it. We knew we had to check it out.
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Traffic was heavy on I-20 when we hit the road, but it didn’t take long to get to Exit 190. Once we turned onto Gateway Boulevard, it was a short distance to Partnership Drive. Once we turned right onto that road I saw the Columbia County Exhibition Center, and right across the street sat Gateway Park.
And at that moment, the rain began to fall.
Parking was plentiful when we rolled in, so we grabbed a spot and waited out the weather. Within half an hour a light mist replaced the rain. The drizzle didn’t deter the attendees that hurried around the playground area to find the food trucks. Dean and I got out of the car and followed them to check out the action.
As we headed toward the lone building on the property we heard music and found a stage set up near the entrance. A new-to-me band called Savannah Sunday ran through a sound check before their scheduled performance. Their version of “Can’t You See?” by the Marshall Tucker Band was more than impressive. I couldn’t wait to hear them play.
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It was a festive evening. Children laughed and played at the splash pad, parents sat and visited on the park benches, and food trucks served never-ending lines of hungry customers. The dark clouds cleared away, leaving in their wake a cool and refreshing summer night.
Dean and I walked around the park and took in the festivities. A great selection of food trucks lined the perimeter. A few trucks present that night included those from Pelican’s Snoballs and Ono Shave Ice. Both were popular choices as I noticed most festival-goers had in their hands a cup from one or the other. Big T’s Seafood and Reggie’s Twisted BBQ served hot food. Lil Mama’s poured coffee drinks. For those interested an adult beverage, a beer tent sat just to the right of the stage. It was a nice selection of offerings paired with vendors selling their wares.
The lawn filled fast when Savannah Sunday began playing. The four-piece band kicked off their set with “The Joker” by the Steve Miller Band then later kicked things up a notch, bringing the Texas blues sound of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy.” The band was more than just background sound. Savannah Sunday captivated the audience and held their attention. I enjoyed their take on the classic hits as well as their engaging performance. This is a band to see in concert. I hope to catch them out and about again very soon.
Gateway Park is a beautiful little oasis with a walking path that circles the lawn. It is a large and welcoming space just off the beaten path with playgrounds and plenty of parking. The next Food Truck Friday at Gateway Park will be held on Friday, September 9, so mark your calendars now! The event opens at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. More information can be found at https://www.columbiacountyga.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/46/4823
Savannah Sunday hails from Aiken. The four-piece group plays locally and also tours across the Southeast. Find them online at https://www.savannahsunday.com
Summer is in full swing with an abundance of entertainment options to choose from this weekend. Want to chill with a cold drink on a hot night? Head to Soul Bar Friday as DJ Bizzo Beats spins the grooves beginning at 9 p.m. On Saturday, Carolina Cherry brings their rocking sound to the stage at Whiskey Bent in Aiken. Show starts at 8 p.m. Looking for a Sunday brunch with a side of music? Catch Prettier Than Matt at Doc’s Porchside Augusta. Music begins at noon.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
