New Local Food Trucks Entering Richland County Fair

A lot of things have changed for the 2023 Richland County Fair. One that will be very obvious is that a few of the local food trucks have been able to make it into the fair. Orleans Cuisine, Island Cuisines, and Sunrise Berry Bowls were a few of the businesses.

Island Cuisines is a locally owned and operated food truck that fuses Jamaican Style cooking and flavors with classic American foods creating a delicious flavor profile. Island Cuisines is owned and operated by Cal Gordon, a Jamaican-born and raised man who migrated to Sidney 10 years ago and now calls Sidney home. Gordon has been cooking for over 15 years professionally and jumped at the opportunity to enter the food industry with the two restaurants in Sidney and Watford City. He transitioned to a mobile unit this year to give wider access and flexibility to his operations and to share his delicious cuisine all over the MonDak region. Gordon said, "We look forward to serving the patrons of the Richland County Fair and delivering a special menu designed specifically for the 2023 fair. We will have something for the entire family so be sure to stop by our food trailer as you attend the Richland County Fair this year."

Orleans Cuisine is a food truck owned and operated by Lisa Combel that showcases traditional southern American food and desserts. It is Lisa's truck but her sons and, occasionally, her husband, Chris, help her. She plans to have a special menu. She will also be set up by the beer garden and because of that, plans to open later than the other food vendors at 1 or 2 p.m. and remain open until 1 or 2 a.m. but she has not decided, yet. Orleans Cuisine will have more than just the Combels operating it. A few friends of the family have asked to help out as well. She said, "Gauging the amount of food to bring is going to be the hardest part."

Sunrise Berry Bowls is owned and operated by Alyssa Amato. They will be offering some of their toppings as add-ons to the main menu bowls. From 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., they will be found next to the agriculture building by the fair office and across from the restrooms. The ladies at Sunrise Berry Bowls said, "The fair is a big deal around here! We are excited to be a part of it." They will be getting a little help from family as they pride themselves on quick service and want to continue to deliver that to their customers.

Fair manager Pam Shelmidine said, "We are working on finding areas around the fairgrounds as we undergo construction where we can accommodate additional food and straight sale vendors. We strive to be as inclusive as possible to our local vendors to keep a strong bond with our community. We will continue to work tirelessly together to keep our fair the highlight of the summer for our vendors as well as our patrons as we grow."