There's something blue-collar - almost workmanlike, in a culinary sense - about consuming delicious food prepared in a truck. In that vein, a food truck festival seems like the perfect fundraiser for Occupational Development Center (ODC).

"The best thing about the festival is seeing people discover their new favorite foods and their new favorite food trucks," said Ken Mueller, the public relations and development manager for ODC. "Some people know exactly which trucks they want to go to, while others will spend a lot of time trying something new, based on what they hear people saying about the different trucks as they walk around. It creates a real sense of community, with great food at the center of it all."

ODC of Lancaster will host its eighth annual Food Truck Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Stauffer Park, 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Proceeds from the community event will benefit ODC, which supports Lancaster County adults with developmental disabilities through vocational training and employment opportunities, and the Manheim Township Recreation Department.

"This is our eighth year hosting this event, and we continue to be amazed by how much it grows each year," said Gregg Richards, ODC's executive director. "Many people arrive early and spend the day relaxing in the park while sampling food from a variety of trucks. We believe the new kid zone will give families even more reasons to attend and enjoy an extended day at the festival."

The ODC Food Truck Fest will feature offerings from more than 17 area food trucks. Available for purchase will be ice cream; wood-fired pizza; Cambodian cuisine; fried shrimp, oysters, crab and pierogis; waffles and ice cream; gourmet cupcakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade; beef jerky and bacon on a stick; Caribbean/Latin American fusion; authentic Mexican cuisine; smoked meats, barbecue and mac and cheese; upscale American and healthy cuisine; Middle Eastern/European street food; cheesesteaks; gourmet doughnuts; coffee and specialty drinks; and prepackaged candy.

The food trucks are operated by owners from Lancaster, New Holland, Ephrata, Akron, Elizabethtown, Columbia, Lebanon, Hershey, York and Red Lion.

The ODC Food Truck Fest is being supported by more than eight generous sponsors.

"This is such a great event," said Mueller. "Gathering so many people together around a love of food and fun is always a good thing. There's always so much energy at this event, and it's great to see so many people from around the county gathering together and having a good time."

The festival's atmosphere will be supplemented by music from DJs; a kid zone; a touch-a-truck experience featuring Manheim Township vehicles; photo opportunities; an obstacle course; a visit by the Lancaster Bookmobile; and games. More than 5,000 individuals are expected to attend.

"Many of the people live within walking distance of the park," said Mueller, "but we also draw from all over the county and beyond."

Located at 640 Martha Ave., Lancaster, ODC, which was established in 1949, operates under the tagline "Creating opportunity through community." The organization seeks to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment.

"The ODC has been an important part of the larger Lancaster County community for 77 years," said Mueller. "We provide valuable vocational skills training and employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are also making a concerted effort to be an important part of our immediate neighborhood and community by serving our neighbors and creating events to get to know our community."

For additional information, go to http://www.odcenter.org.