GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Michael Kerekes was optimistic that 3,000 people would attend the return of Food Truck Fridays 2.0 on July 3 at Spring Park. 

That optimism was shattered when the Green Cove Springs Police Department told him 6,000 showed up. 

“We had a great turnout,” the new organizer of the monthly event said. “It way exceeded our expectations.” 

It exceeded everyone’s expectations. 

The event went dormant for three months after Food Truck Fridays founders, former Vice Mayor Ed Gaw and Van Royal, faced an “ethics complaint” because city funds helped support the project. Some believed it may have been a conflict of interest. 

Just when it appeared the event that happens on the first Friday of each month was going away after a successful nine-year run, Kerekes surprised City Hall with a proposal to use his Pelican’s SnoBalls and Ice Cream and the Neighbor to Neighbor Newspaper to 

help support the Friday night return. Kerekes is also an attorney who serves as the newspaper’s publisher. 

“It's such a great thing for the community to have it,” he said. "It just felt disappointing. I initially approached it thinking, okay, let's try for July and see what happens. 

“As we started talking to people about it, so many folks wanted to keep it going, wanted to get involved.” 

Not only was the crowd twice as big as he expected, but there were also more food trucks and vendors than in the past. 

“It was a great event, but when you add a little kids’ zone and free face painting, and you add vendors to the mix and you have some interactive stuff or an educational component, all of a sudden, it opens up a whole new world to people who didn't want to just sit and listen to a band,” Kerekes said. 

“All of a sudden, they're holding baby alligators. They're doing aerial gymnastics from the rafters in the pool pavilion. They’re learning about plants and bugs, just making connections with the community. That's what it's all about.” 

With 25 food trucks, 65 vendors and music from St. Augustine’s Paper City Hustlers, Kerekes said the food truck area will be expanded at the Aug. 7 event from Walnut and Spring streets to a third location by the Rivers House.

“We want to be able to see our local people and give them priority,” Kerekes said. “We don't need to bring in a ton of vendors and food trucks from Jacksonville Beach. We have local talent right here in Clay County.” 

With a monthly operating cost of $12,000, Kerekes said there likely will be months when revenues won’t cover expenses. But he said reviving Food Truck   Fridays was never about the money. 

“This is a great event for the community, not a money-making thing, and we want to see it grow. Everyone’s been so supportive. I'm excited to keep doing it and see what happens. I just thought it was a great way to get publicity for the newspaper, not to mention having a really fun event for the community. 

“We're going to just keep adding more. We're going to possibly have either a car show or work on some of the sports teams. We have a couple more things planned for the end of the year."

With support from the City of Green Cove Springs, the Neighbor to Neighbor Newspaper, Garber Auto Mall and other community sponsors, the rebranded event also includes a $500 Community Cares Grant check presentation to a local nonprofit. The July grant was given to the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs. 

Kerekes said to visit event.me to apply for the grant, or to register a food truck or vendor. 

 Another twist will be the addition of an after-Food Truck Party at the Corner Pocket from 9- 11 p.m. Restaurant owner Cheri Starnes said she will offer drink specials to revelers. 

Food Truck Fridays will be back at Spring Park on Aug. 7 from 5- 9 p.m. The next theme will be Luau with the first 2,000 visitors receiving leis.