When word spread that Habitat for Humanity’s wildly popular food truck festival wasn’t happening this year – 3-D Eats Owner Sean DeSmet stepped up to the plate, organizing a food truck festival of his own with proceeds benefitting the Pensacola organization. Pensacola's Habitat has held seven annual festivals at Community Maritime Park up until 2023 that would raise funds for their charitable efforts, such as building affordable housing.

DeSmet rallied about 14 other Pensacola area food trucks to join him for a special May the Fourth Food Truck and Cosplay Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 at Pensacola’s Harley Davidson at 6385 Pensacola Blvd.

Funds will be raised through a $5 admission fee for adults, but children 10 and under can attend for free. Food truck vendors will also be donating 10% of their sales.

Michele DuMond, Pensacola’s Habitat for Humanity volunteer services and special events manager, said that the organization has had their hands full with building homes the past year, and the food truck event requires “a lot of people and a lot of time.” It was a record-breaking year for home building, with 53 homes planned to have a certificate of occupancy by the time the fiscal year ends in June. Because of this, the organization decided to step away from hosting the event this year.

“It was a matter of how our time is best spent,” DuMond said.

That was when DeSmet, who has brought his food truck to Habitat’s event since its inception, reached out to DuMond saying, “We want to do something for you,” DuMond recalled. DeSmet hopes to raise $5,000.

“Every dollar goes to help building a home,” DuMond said. “Collectively, that impact is very significant and meaningful to us… I’ve always been amazed at how supportive the community is as a whole.”

Not only will the event support Habitat’s programs but offer diners the opportunity to try a variety of foods at one location – gourmet egg rolls, smoked barbecue, pad Thai, fried chicken – and plenty of sweets to top it off from loaded cinnamon rolls to soft serve ice cream.

Vendors include 3-D Eats, P’Cola Rolla, Thai 2 Go, Cinnaholic, Redneck Hibachi, The Smokin’ Jokers BBQ, Jordan Valley Mediterranean, Melt, Veronica’s Dream, KJ’s Fried Chicken, Waffle Boutique, Space Case Candy, Have You Gotten Toasted Today, Traci’s Cherished Creations and Mister Softee.

Leaning into the Star Wars implications of May 4, which sounds like “may the force,” the event encourages visitors to dress up in cosplay attire with a $200 prize awarded to the participant with the best costume.

When they locked down a date, DeSmet said it was too tempting not to make the event themed.

“I’m a Geek, I’m a Star Wars (fan), I’m a Trekkie, I’m all of that,” DeSmet said. “As soon as I heard May 4, it had to be.”

There will be activities for children, karaoke, bounce house and vendors offering cosplay themed foods.

“I just love cooking, cooking for mass amounts of people and of course raising the funds for a great charity and great cause,” DeSmet said. “I love to see people get together for fun and food.”

Habitat will have an information booth at the event providing information to the public on programs they can apply for.

More information can be found on the May the Fourth Food Truck and Cosplay Fest 2024 event Facebook page.