A vendor grills bacon-wrapped hot dogs at the Street Food Festival in Live Oak on Friday, April 25. Food trucks and booths offered a variety of street eats for the community to enjoy.

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The culture of Live Oak is coming alive and last weekend, it could literally be tasted.

On Friday, April 25, the city hosted its second annual Street Food Festival along Broadway Street, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors despite a dreary weather forecast. Organized by the City of Live Oak’s Parks and Recreation Department, the event marked another step forward for a community that historically has not hosted many large-scale gatherings.

Families line up at a taco truck during the Street Food Festival held on Broadway Street in Live Oak on Friday, April 25. Despite cloudy weather, the event drew hundreds of attendees.

“This is definitely bigger than last year,” said Ashley Hernandez, Live Oak City Councilmember and new owner of Holy Grounds Coffee. “Last year, it poured, and people were still showing up like crazy. They were just so excited to have something here. I’m hoping this can continue on at least a quarterly basis.”

Sixteen food trucks and vendors lined the downtown street, serving up a wide range of treats. Among the festival favorites was Blackhole BBQ, a local catering company run by Delilah and Rick Alcocer.

Tony Garcia of Pizza Factory greets festival goers with a smile during Live Oak’s Street Food Festival on Broadway Street on April 25. The event featured several local vendors and businesses.

“We sold out really quick last year,” said Rick Alcocer. “It’s great to have events like these to come out to.”

Mini Pancakes, another popular vendor, offered a creative spin on a traditional favorite with bite-sized pancakes and a variety of toppings described by some as “like a frozen yogurt bar, but for pancakes.” They also served bacon-wrapped street dogs, satisfying both sweet and savory cravings.

The Mini Pancakes booth serves sweet treats to customers during the Street Food Festival on Broadway Street in Live Oak, California, on Friday, April 25. The vendor was among several offering creative spins on classic foods.

Throughout the evening, the lively atmosphere was unmistakable. Families dined at picnic tables, kids played frisbee in the open space, and neighbors mingled freely, something that many said the town has long been hungry for.

“It’s good to get the community out and together, and the families out,” said Tony Garcia with Pizza Factory, another local food vendor.

Visitors fill Broadway Street during Live Oak’s second annual Street Food Festival on Friday, April 25. The festival featured more than a dozen vendors offering a variety of foods and activities.

Bob Woten, a Live Oak City Councilman added, “We like having this opportunity to mix the community.”

The festival wasn’t without a hint of activism. Among the cheerful crowds, a small group of residents could be seen carrying signs expressing opposition to proposed water rate hikes, currently a hot-button issue in Live Oak. Their presence served as a reminder that while the city is celebrating growth, it is also facing important civic conversations.

A participant holds a sign protesting proposed water rate increases during Live Oak’s Street Food Festival on Broadway Street. Activists mingled among festival goers to raise awareness about the issue.

Much of the credit for organizing the event was given to Luis Cibrian, although he could not be reached for comment as of press time.

As for what’s next, Hernandez, whose coffee shop sits just steps from the festival site, hinted at even more community events to come. She hopes to help host another street festival toward the end of next month and encourages residents and visitors alike to stay tuned.

Children help run the Blackhole BBQ booth by selling drinks during Live Oak’s Street Food Festival on Broadway Street on April 25. The local catering company quickly sold out during last year's event and was among one of the more popular vendors again this year.