Sample platter

Sure, you can find funnel cakes and elephant ears at Riverbend, but never before has the festival had a local restaurant presence. This year, Big River Grille, Beef O’Brady’s and Porter’s Steakhouse are set up to serve.

“It means a lot to have some local fare at Riverbend this year,” said Karen Shostak, director of sales for Friends of the Festival. “Restaurants were quick to come on board, and their menus reflect the cuisine served in their restaurants.”

Though it’s not typical festival food, it will be served in the traditional Riverbend way. Customers will stand in line to place their orders, pay with tokens, then find a place to sit and eat.

Forty spots are available for food vendors, and all 40 are taken, Ms. Shostak said. Some, such as Dippin’ Dots and Pronto Pups, have multiple locations. Mike Thibodeaux is back with his Cajun chicken on a stick. Michael Miller is cooling off festivalgoers with his fresh-squeezed lemonade. And Ginocchio’s is there to satisfy Italian cravings.

“There’s something for everyone,” Ms. Shostak said.