New Kensington's Fridays on Fifth returns for 3rd season with 6 dates

Fridays on Fifth, the food truck event that has lured throngs of people to downtown New Kensington, will launch its third season this month.

Returning favorites including Del Vecchio’s Sausage will be among a dozen food trucks expected for the opener April 28. Among the newcomers is Cilantro & Ajo, a Venezuelan restaurant in Pittsburgh’s South Side that also operates a truck.

Also new this year is Haus’s BBQ. Rob Haus, an Arnold police officer, started his food truck as a hobby a little more than a year ago.

His menu includes pulled pork, brisket, ribs, sweet sausage, mac and cheese and fries.

“I’ve cooked most of my life at different restaurants in the region. I enjoy cooking,” Haus said. “I’m looking forward to it. It draws a good crowd and good people. It brings the community together.”

Fridays on Fifth will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month from April through September.

Food trucks will set up on Fifth Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets.

Voodoo Brewery will provide music each month, with Metro Band scheduled to play April 28, said Michelle Thom, the brewery’s operations manager.

“We are all very excited for Fridays on Fifth season to begin,” Thom said. “We love the energy, the enthusiasm and the sense of community created by this event. And the event really showcases the support that New Kensington has from its residents and the neighboring towns.”

Bands from May through September are, in order, Mojo the Band; Missing Link; TKO; Supermoon; and, closing the season in September, The Shiners. All bands will play from 6 to 9 p.m., Thom said.

Weather permitting, bands play outside in front of the Alcoa smelter in Voodoo Brewery’s courtyard.

Fridays on Fifth is sponsored by the City of New Kensington and the city’s recreation commission.

“We’re still kind of blown away by the response and the positivity surrounding it and the excitement people have for it,” said Nicole Vigilante, a volunteer with the recreation commission. “People are talking about it, and they’re excited to come down and be in downtown. That’s what we’re looking for: for people to be excited to be in downtown New Kensington.”

In addition to the food trucks, downtown businesses are encouraged to stay open late so people can meet business owners and check out their shops.

Jim and Christine Radeshak are taking advantage of Fridays on Fifth to open their new storefront, The Feisty Goblin Gamehouse, specializing in tabletop and card games, with a soft opening April 28 and a grand opening May 26.

Downtown eateries such as Farmhouse Fresh, Sweet Tillies, Strange Roots, and Steel Cup were confirmed to be participating, along with botL and Kimi’s Konfections, Vigilante said.

Limited seating will be available, so those attending are advised to bring chairs. Parking is available in city lots.

“We’re looking forward to another great season and hoping for great weather,” Vigilante said. “We’ve been blessed with great weather the last two years. Going into the third year, we hope the weather gods smile on us.”

Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian by email at brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter .