Bites, bikes and kickball at 13th Food Truck Fiesta

Linda Peterson talked to the Auburn Journal late Friday afternoon as she stood by the Bacon Mania food truck waiting on her chicken dinner at Recreation Park. The North Auburn resident attended her 11th Food Truck Fiesta on Aug. 14, and a friend was saving her a seat near the stage to watch the band Auburn Ravine Revival. "I like outdoor events, especially like these," Peterson said. "I'll go anywhere for that." The 13th annual Food Truck Fiesta was filling up soon after its 5 p.m. start Friday, with bicyclists congregating near the bocce courts while City of Auburn employees and Chamber of Commerce members warmed up their legs and stretched their muscles before the third annual kickball game in the right-field corner of James Field. Auburn Recreation District Administrator Kahl Muscott recalled a mini bike park being set up for the first three Food Truck Fiestas. "Originally, we were looking for a fundraiser for the Auburn Bike Park," Muscott said. "The bike park got built, so now it's still a fundraiser for the bike park." Meanwhile, Auburn Mayor Kelley Davis led the second bike parade through the fiesta and around the perimeter of Recreation Park. Davis said there were 12 cyclists for the inaugural bike parade. Friday's second effort drew 30 riders. City tops Auburn Chamber in Kidzapalooza kickball game The City of Auburn claimed a lively 14-7 victory over the Auburn Chamber of Commerce in the Kidzapalooza kickball game at ARD's Food Truck Fiesta, bringing together community spirit, friendly competition, fundraising and laughter. The game delivered a classic evening of fun as city and Chamber players took the field for a spirited matchup. The Auburn Chamber put points on the board early, led by Marcus Johnson, who scored the first home run and brought in additional runs. The City's defense held strong behind Auburn Fire Chief John Rogers, whose pitching gave the Chamber little room for error. Keeping spectators engaged throughout the game, Kidzapalooza founder J Ross provided witty, minute-by-minute microphone updates thatcaptured the energy of the event and added to the laughter on and off the field. More than a friendly rivalry, the matchup helped raise funds for Kidzapalooza's upcoming free family event on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at ARD Park. Kidzapalooza will offer children and families opportunities to dance, learn about music, create art and enjoy a bounce house provided by the Auburn Police Department. The event is designed to bring families together through accessible arts, music, recreation and community connection. Admission is free to Kidzapalooza. Visit kidzapalooza.org or email kidzapalooza530@gmail.com. Kidzapalooza contributed to this report.