The Official Kentucky Food Truck State Championship began in 2021 and is held yearly on the Second Saturday in September in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The event in 2026 will be held on September 12th at the Rockcastle County Business Industrial Park, located off US-150 on Progress Drive, Mt. Vernon, KY. Exit 59 on I-75 is the nearest exit to the event.

The event is FREE to attend with $5 per vehicle parking. Parking proceeds go to benefit local fire department and youth groups in Rockcastle County.  You will pay for the food that you purchase from each truck. Please note that some trucks will have a longer line due to popularity and food preparation. 

Pop, water, and sports drinks will be available at the Food Trucks, as well as designated drink tents. There will also be a separate Arts & Crafts Vendors, Kid’s Play Area with over a dozen free activities, as well as covered tents with seating and tables to enjoy your meal.

We will also have Live Music by Donovan Howard, Emily Jamerson, Taylor Lansdale, Keagan Hatton, Rye Davis, Brandy Davis, and Branden Martin on our Songwriter Stage in the large tent.

You are welcome to bring your own pop up canopy tents and chairs and have a picnic on the grounds with friends and family.

No alcohol is allowed due to some of the property owned by Rockcastle County School System.

JUDGING PROCESS
A team of professional chefs will judge food trucks based on quality of taste, appearance, texture, and originality. They will pick individual category champions. The category champions will then compete for the title of Grand Champion based on their judge’s score and people’s choice votes.

Attendees will be able to vote for the People’s Choice Winner by scanning a QR Code and visiting the website to vote. We will also have voting sheets at the information tent.

Our Grand Champion will get not only bragging rights, but $4000 and a special cast iron trophy to show off their winnings.

People’s Choice Winner will receive $1000 and a special trophy

Individual Category Winners will receive $500 and a wooden carved plaque. Individual categories include: Best BBQ, Best Burger, Best International Dish, Best American Dish, Best Dessert, and Best Drink.

Winners are announced at 5:00 PM at the main tent during the awards ceremony.