Truckloads of fun: UAF’s fourth annual Alaska Nanooks Food Truck Rally

Root Beer float from Creambear.

By Taight Jackson

Food was eaten, fun was had, and memories were made. Despite the rainy weather, I found plenty to enjoy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ fourth annual Alaska Nanooks Food Truck Rally. The event took place in the Patty Center parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 6, and the turnout did not disappoint.

There were countless options spread out along the line of food trucks. It was so hard to make a choice; however, I ultimately decided on a delicious Root Beer float from Creambear. The beverage was delectable, with a perfect vanilla ice cream-to-root beer ratio. The overall flavor of the drink wasn’t too overpowering, and with all of this in mind, it was easily rated a 10 out of 10. 

Owners of the Laughing Raven posed with their handcrafted jewelry on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Food Truck rally.

After finishing the float, I decided to check out some of the local vendors that were set up both in the parking lot and inside the foyer of the Patty Center. Each booth had unique products, and of course I couldn’t resist indulging in some of them. There was a little bit of something for everyone, from “blind date with a book” to handcrafted jewelry. 

“My favorite part was probably the booths selling blind date with a book,” said freshman Carsyn Hills.

After some wandering around, I decided to check out the brisket-loaded mac from Low ‘N Slow BBQ. I was blown away by the brisket's taste, as it was absolutely delicious and had the perfect smoky flavor. The mac ‘n’ cheese was creamy and warm, perfect for the cool, rainy day Fairbanks was experiencing. It didn’t take long to conclude that this dish was another 10 out of 10. 

While waiting for the rain to subside, I found a dry place to stand beneath the awning, where I got to meet and talk with different people. There were small games, like cornhole, for people to play, as well as tables where attendees could stand and eat. 

After conversing with students and community members at the Food Truck Rally, it was evident that this is a well-liked tradition, and many hope that UAF will continue to host it. 

Loaded brisket mac ‘n’ cheese from Low ‘N Slow BBQ.

“My favorite part about the Food Truck Rally was that the food was really good and the people had good hospitality,” freshman Cody Rohan said. 

Before heading out, I decided I wanted one more drink for the road. After making one final walk up and down the row and checking out what beverages the different vendors had to offer, I finally landed on a milk tea boba from Wok ‘N Roll Chinese Food Express. It had a delicious taste to it. The flavor and texture of the boba were perfect. The drink had the perfect amount of sweetness, letting each flavor come through equally. Though it was delicious, it was a little watered down. With that being said, I decided to rate the drink a 7 out of 10.

Milk tea boba from Wok ‘N Roll Chinese Food Express.

Though the rain was a prominent part of this event, it didn’t stop the fun festivities happening between attendees and the different vendors. From food trucks and local vendors to games and conversations, the fourth annual Food Truck Rally proved that a little rain wasn’t enough to stop the fun.