One event is for the untapped food truck community of the Inland Empire and the other involves running through an obstacle course in sunny Orange County. We interviewed Event Director Ashley Eliot about the two summer food truck events you don’t want to miss!

DET: Tell us about the IE Food Truck Fest and how the idea came about?
AE: The idea actually came about after OC Foodie Fest, when Jeremy Zachary (who is the publisher of Inland Empire Weekly) suggested bringing a similar festival out to the IE area. I didn’t know at the time that food trucks weren’t allowed to roam the streets there. And after I heard that, I knew we had to make this festival happen and get these amazing gourmet food trucks out to the area. From there, we approached Citizens Business Bank Arena about the idea and they loved it.

DET: This is not your first time working on a food truck event. You also worked as PR Manager for OC Foodie Fest. Would you say you are a food truck event expert?
AE: Oh how I wish … sometimes people think I am and will ask me to book trucks for their events. I’m a food truck enthusiast. My main job is actually music publicity.

DET: What about a food truck and music pairing?
AE: You know, I thought about this once. I always incorporate music into everything I do. I wanted to have a food truck that had a stage that would open up in the back so bands could perform on-the-go. Another idea was a web series where we would film bands performing inside of food trucks. I’m sure that seems crazy.

DET: Speaking of crazy! You have another event coming up called Munchathon (food-themed obstacle course filled with all sorts of surprises)? Tell us about that.
AE: Munchathon is a fun run with food and beverage stops that also incorporates obstacles. It offers participants a chance to try a variety of sample-size items from food trucks and local vendors while encountering random challenges, for example climbing through over-sized donuts or being attacked by marshmallows. I can’t give too much away yet. The ones with the biggest appetites will survive. That’s actually one aspect of the event. After the run, there will be a festival of gourmet food trucks plus beverages, entertainment and local vendors. Munchathon is happening on Saturday, July 16 at Oak Canyon Park, near Irvine Lake, in Orange County.

DET: What kind of surprises?
AE: As for the surprises…if I told you, then it would no longer be a surprise. But don’t worry, we will be posting some teasers for you all real soon.

DET: What’s on your playlist?
AE: Currently, locals Y Luv with their new EP How Chill Can You Let Go and Boris Smile’s song “The Battle of Miss Little.” Also, The Black Keys with “Howlin’ For You,” Milo Greene with “1957,” The Strokes with “Machu Picchu,” Foster The People with “Helena Beat” and Kitten with “Chinatown.” A majority of the time I’m listening to Southern California unsigned artists so if you have no clue who some of these bands are, they’re the next big thing so check them out.

What?
IE Food Truck Fest

When?
Saturday, June 18 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Where?
Citizens Business Bank Arena
4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway
Ontario, CA 91764

Cost?
$8 in advance
$10 day of event
$25 VIP

Additional Information
Buy tickets!
http://www.iefoodtruckfest.com/

What?
Munchathon

When?
Saturday, July 16. 5K starts at 9:00 AM and the festival opens at 11:00 AM

Where?
Oak Canyon Park
5305 Santiago Canyon Rd
Orange County, CA 92869

Cost?
$39 individual (early bird)

Additional Information
Buy tickets! (5K race)
http://munchathon.com/