Cooler weather doesn’t keep community away from Food Truck-a-Palooza

Cold rainy early morning weather didn’t stop the community from turning out for Merrill’s second annual Food Truck-a-Palooza at the Merrill Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The lure of a huge variety of food options, craft and vendor sales, live music, and fun drew visitors—including many of the four-legged variety—to check out everything available. Families, couples, and individuals came out, many with their dogs, for the family-friendly event.
“I feel that it was a great turnout from the community,” said Hallie Savall, Social Media Specialist/Fairgrounds Coordinator for the City of Merrill. “The feedback that has been given has been very positive and encouraging for next year’s Food Truck-a-Palooza.”
With 30 food trucks and 65-70 craft vendors, organizers changed the layout a bit, and attendees approved. “We are hearing a lot of praises about the layout and entertainment,” Savall said.
Entertainment included live music by Brad Emanuel and the Northwoods Skitchers, as well as Coyote Karaoke.
“The turnout was bigger than last year—it was spread out over the whole fairgrounds,” Mayor Steve Hass said. “Hallie and I were concerned with the cooler weather, but the people showed up.”

By comparison, “Last year, there were 15 trucks and 45 craft vendors,” he said.
“Six trucks sold out of food,” Hass said. “If the weather would have cooperated, I think more would have sold out.”
“I’m very thankful for the support from the community, the amazing sponsors, and volunteers that contributed to help make the event successful,” Savall said.
In a separate interview, Hass said the same thing. “We couldn’t have done this without the sponsors, volunteers, and city departments,” he said. “There was a lot [of work done] behind the scenes.”
Nearly 20 volunteers helped plan, organize, and orchestrate the event, Hass said.
“It is a learning experience,” Savall said, “and we hope to continue to make this an event everyone looks forward to year after year.”
Mark your calendars, as the date for next year’s event has already been set. Merrill’s Food Truck-a-Palooza 2026 will be May 16, 2026.