DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: AUGUST 1, 2025 AT 5:00 PM EASTERN TIME

2025 Kentucky Food Truck State Championship is open to all Food Truck and Food Trailer Vendors that are licensed to sell and serve in the state of Kentucky (including out of state vendors)

Completed Application is due no later than August 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM.  Applications are NOT considered completed until we receive all items.

Mt. Vernon-Rockcastle County Tourist Commission
PO Box 1467
2590 Richmond Street
Mt. Vernon, KY 40456

Email: [email protected]

RULES FOR
2025 FOR KENTUCKY FOOD TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES:

APPLICATIONS
Applications are accepted online only. You must have all of your attachments with the application when you submit.  You will be notified via Email and/or Phone Call if you are accepted.

• Applications are due NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1, 2025 AT 5:00 PM
• Submission/receipt of application does not signify acceptance; truck entries will be juried by a committee. You will receive notice via phone/email if accepted or not. 
• The Mt. Vernon-Rockcastle County Tourist Commission Board of Directors has the right to refuse an application.
• When Approved: You will receive an Email when approved, as well as an invoice for Application Fee Payment.  Application Fee is non-refundable.  Invoice will be sent for payment via credit card, debit card, or check to Kentucky Food Truck Championship.

ITEMS REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION:

• Completed Online Application
• Copy of General Liability Insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence Endorsement on the General Liability Insurance naming the following as an additional insured. Insurance must be valid through September 13, 2025.  If it expires before then, it is your responsibility to ensure that we have a copy of the updated insurance!
  Mt. Vernon–Rockcastle County Tourist Commission
  2590 Richmond Street
  PO Box 1467
  Mt. Vernon, KY 40456
• Copy of Current Automobile Insurance for vehicle (truck/trailer or food truck) Insurance must be valid through September 13, 2025.  If it expires before then, it is your responsibility to ensure that we have a copy of the updated insurance!
• PDF or JPG of Current Valid Health Department License issued by any Kentucky County Health Department
• JPG Photo of Your Food Truck from Side, Front, & Back Views
• JPG Photo of electrical plug end
• PDF or JPG File of Full menu of all items you will be serving the day of the event. Please indicate which items are gluten free
• PDF or JPG File of Completed & Signed W-9 Form
• PDF or JPG File of Current Kentucky Sales Tax Permit Valid Through September 14, 2025
• When Approved: Entry Fee

WHO CAN ENTER?

• Anyone with a Food Truck or Food Trailer that is licensed to sell food and has a Kentucky Sales Tax Permit is allowed to enter.
• Previous Grand Championship Winners and Category Winners ARE ELIGIBLE to enter and win
• Applicants can win in multiple categories based on judges’ decision.
• Categories for 2025 include:
  
  • Grand Champion ($5,000 Prize)
  • Best Truck Theme & Design ($500 Prize)
  • Best BBQ ($500 Prize)
  • Best Burger ($500 Prize)
  • Best International Dish ($500 Prize)
  • Best Specialty Drink ($500 Prize)
  • Best Dessert ($500 Prize)
  • Most Unique Menu Item ($500 Prize)
  • People’s Choice Award ($500 Prize)

WHAT CAN I SERVE?

• NEW FOR 2025: Applicants are allowed to serve non-alcoholic drinks.  This includes pop, water, sports drinks, alcohol, tea, lemonade, coffee, milkshakes, etc. It must NOT have any alcohol in the drink.
• Menu changes must be submitted no later than September 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
• Based on attendee feedback, we encourage Food Trucks to have smaller portions for purchase.  Please consider offering a Kid’s portion as well.

ELECTRIC OUTLET INFO

• You must determine if your electrical plug will fit our provided outlet.  If not, you will have to furnish your own generator.  You will need to submit a photo of your electrical plug with your application.  A certified electrician will review and contact you if they have
  additional questions.
• Electric Outlets Available Include: 30 AMP 220 V, 50 AMP 220, 20 AMP STANDARD DUPLEX
• Generators MUST be quiet for use.
• Electric spots are first come first served based on when full application and required items are completed and approved.
• An electrician will inspect your plug and will plug into the provided outlet day of the event.

PAYMENT OF RESTAURANT TAX & FOOD VOUCHERS

• Food truck vendors are required to collect & submit at the end of the event:
  
  • Food Vouchers from sponsors, volunteers, etc.
  • City of Mt. Vernon City 3% Restaurant Tax Payment and Form
• Forms are to be submitted at the Information Tent by the end of the event.  Not doing so will disqualify you from future events and you will not receive your prize money and/or food voucher reimbursement.
• Prize Money and Food Voucher Reimbursement will be mailed to vendors within 1 week of the event.

CHECK IN FOR EVENT

• On the week of the event, you will receive an email with detail instructions on spot location and other information.
• Food Trucks may check in between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday night.  They may check in between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Saturday morning. You may NOT plug in to the electrical outlet until the electrician inspects your plug and outlet.
• You must stay for the entire event on Saturday to be qualified for prizes.

OTHER RULES TO KNOW

• Professional Food Chefs and Celebrity Judge will be judging this year with score sheets.  You will submit sample sizes of 1 dish to the judging team. Judge’s decisions are final.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct will disqualify you from the competition and future events.
• You must follow the State of Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services guidelines for Temporary Food Establishments. Click here for those guidelines.
• You must follow the Section 3 of the Kentucky Food Code in the Kentucky Revised Statutes. Click here for that info.