Around the Mountain by LJ James Food Truck Monday at the Freehold FD v05222026

Food Truck Monday at the Freehold FD

Freehold Fire Department’s Food Truck Monday Was a Full-Blown Summer Party!

This week my niece and I rolled into the monthly Food Truck Monday at the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company, 9502 Route 32, Freehold NY 12431— and let me tell you, it was the definition of small-town summer magic.

The event happens every 4th Monday of the month through October from 5PM to 8PM, and somehow it manages to feel like a backyard cookout, county fair, block party, and community reunion all rolled into one.

And wow… the FOOD!!!

The lineup of food trucks was enough to make a grown man stare at menus like he’s trying to solve a life crisis. Every direction smelled better than the last. BBQ smoke in one corner, fried goodness in another, sweet treats floating through the air… honestly, food trucks are my personal Kryptonite. I don’t know what it is. Maybe we connect them with fun memories, carnivals, concerts, and summertime adventures. All I know is this: the second I hear the words “food truck,” my stomach suddenly starts making business decisions without consulting me first.

Now add in temperatures climbing over 90 degrees, Thankfully the Fire Department had the kids covered with an awesome splash pad area and a giant pirate ship air bouncer that looked like it was getting more traffic than the New York State Thruway. Kids were laughing, running through the water, and having the absolute time of their lives while parents got a chance to relax, eat, and catch up with neighbors. And honestly, that’s what nights like this are all about.

One of the things I love most about summertime in our area is how events like these bring everyone together. Everywhere I turned I was running into old friends, meeting new people, and hearing conversations between folks who probably hadn’t seen each other since last summer’s fair season. At one point I sat down and chatted with a really cool couple who had come down from Windham just to grab some great food and enjoy the atmosphere. That’s the vibe these events create-nobody’s in a rush, everybody’s smiling, and for a few hours the world just feels a little lighter.

The amazing men and women of the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company put these nights together as a way to connect with the community they serve every single day. These are the same people who answer the calls at all hours, head toward danger when everyone else is heading away from it, and are always there when our towns need them most. Supporting events like this is an easy and fun way to say thank you for all they do!

So mark it down now — the next Food Truck Monday is happening Monday, June 22nd, and whether you’re from Freehold, Catskill, Cairo, Greenville, Windham, or anywhere around the Mountain, you should absolutely come out.

Bring the family. Bring your appetite. There are a bunch of picnic tables, but bring a lawn chair if you want to hang out awhile, as they do fill up fast. Let the kids cool off and play, grab some incredible food, and most importantly, take a few minutes to say hello and thank you to the firefighters who do so much for all of us.

The food vendors change every month, so make sure to check out their facebook page "Freehold Volunteer Fire Company" for updates and upcoming vendors.

I am your Bro, LJ James… and I’ll see you around the Mountain!