DECATUR—A variety of food trucks will roll into DeKalb County for a festival of its own near the end of October.  

Organizers are bringing the Food Truck Festival to Panola Slope, a new live, work and play brownstone community in South DeKalb.

Vaughn Irons, who is marketing Panola Slope at 5600 Covington Highway in Decatur, plans to create a vibrant food truck park during the two-day festival that would be similar to the food trucks that go to Smyrna, Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands neighborhood, Atlantic Station and the Howell Mill Food Truck Park.

“When we first broke ground at Panola Slope last November, we said that this new mixed-use site would be a driving force in helping to move the Hidden Hills area forward,” said Irons, who is CEO of APD Solutions.  “Initiating the food truck festival here is an integral part in redefining urban living, giving residents more reasons to want to live, work and play right outside of their doorsteps.”

The food truck movement has been around for years in places like New York City and Washington D.C.

With Metro Atlanta communities embracing the concept over the last two years, Irons said he plans to push for DeKalb officials to allow for designated food truck sites throughout the county.

Irons said he likes the concept because the food trucks would not only provide vibrant spaces, but eliminate blight in some areas, while increasing the number of small businesses in DeKalb.

He said Panola Slope is ideal because the site offers plenty of open space for the trucks and other vendors.

Irons said he wants to offer the single and married professionals and families who buy the brownstones at Panola Slope as many amenities as possible—from a variety of food options to shops, salons, barbershops and other services.

The food trucks might be an option offered on a regular basis, if people support the idea.

DeKalb Commissioner Lee May said he is looking forward to the two-day event at Panola Slope.

“It’s a creative idea. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, enjoy food and showcase the new brownstones,” said May.

The Food Festival at Panola Slope will be held Oct. 27 and 28, noon to 6 p.m.