A steaming picnic plate, guitar chords, and a cheery TGIF crowd by the lake form the perfect menu for chasing away winter gloom at Lake Lanier Olympic Park this month. Food Truck Fridays are back, beginning March 13, on the plaza by the lake.

A steaming picnic plate, guitar chords, and a cheery TGIF crowd by the lake form the perfect menu for chasing away winter gloom at Lake Lanier Olympic Park this month. Thank my lucky mud-flaps, Food Truck Fridays are back, beginning March 13 on the plaza by the lake.

The popular outing, held once a month (except July) March-Sept., draws after-work celebrants for food and fellowship at the unique setting overlooking the Chattahoochee River arm of Lake Lanier. Begun three years ago, the Friday evening party has grown from about 200 attendees in 2017 to around 1,000 for each of last year’s events.

LLOP interim manager James Watson plans to retain the flavors and vibes this year, keeping the same successful format: gates open at 5 p.m., music begins at 6 p.m., the fun winds down after sunset around 9 p.m. Beer and wine flow from local vendors, Tap It and Downtown Drafts. Admission is free. Attendees pay for grub and drinks.

In early February Watson and assistant Eric Larsen were finalizing the line-up for the 2020 debut. “We expect a good variety, across the spectrum,” he said. Plan to chow down on southern barbecue or tacos or nachos or possibly a Cajun low country boil – with so many choices wheeled into one place who can choose just one? Hungry folks can make rounds to all six to eight trucks simmering dinner on the plaza.

Music ranges from country to pop rock to acoustic from local bands. Past performers included country rockers, Ivan Duke Band, and all-genre guitarist/singer Caleb Davidson.

  • Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville.
  • When: 5-9 p.m. March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, Aug. 14, Sept. 11.