Supervisor Bill Reilich joins the Greece Town Board and Youth Board to host the annual Jerry J. Helfer memorial food truck rodeo with a Zac Brown tribute concert

Greece, New York – Warm weather, great food, and the sound of country music filled the air Wednesday evening as the Town of Greece hosted its annual Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo, once again bringing the community together for an evening that mixed fun with purpose.

Held at the Greece Town Campus from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the event welcomed residents of all ages to enjoy an impressive spread of local food trucks, all while enjoying live entertainment by a Zac Brown Band tribute act. The celebration also marked the official start of the Greece Summer Concert Series, kicking things off with a nod to both music and civic spirit.

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Town Supervisor Bill Reilich, alongside Deputy Supervisor Kirk Morris and Town Council Members Mike Bloomer, Diana Christodaro, David DiPonzio, and Bill Murphy, were on hand to welcome guests and take part in the festivities.

“Thank you to all who came out to participate in and support the Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo,” said Supervisor Reilich. “We had a variety of food trucks participating to feed the crowds and a fantastic performance by Zac Brown Tribute Band! We were so happy to once again bring back this popular Town event that helps to support a scholarship dedicated to recognizing the outstanding youth in our community.”

From sweet to savory and everything in between, there was something to satisfy every craving. Local favorites like Kona Ice, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Lugia’s Ice Cream, and Macarollin’ joined a fleet of well-loved vendors such as The Melt Truck, Agatina’s Italian Eats, Robs Kabobs, Chef’s Catering, and many more. Children danced barefoot on the lawn, while adults lounged in folding chairs and on picnic blankets, sipping lemonade from Mr. Squeeze and nibbling on wraps, kabobs, and sugary treats.

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But beyond the music and food, the evening carried a heartfelt purpose. All proceeds raised during the event went to benefit the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship, a fund established in memory of the late Jerry J. Helfer, a longtime public servant known for his dedication to the Greece community.

Jerry Helfer’s legacy is one of leadership and compassion. A former member of the Greece Youth Board and later a Town Councilman from 1998 to 2009, he also served as Deputy Supervisor in 2014 before passing away unexpectedly in July of that year. The scholarship fund named in his honor supports and uplifts young people who embody the same values Helfer stood for—strong moral character, leadership, and community service.

The event itself is a reflection of those ideals. Hosted by the Greece Youth Board in partnership with the Greece Town Board, the Food Truck Rodeo gives residents a chance not only to come together and enjoy each other’s company but to invest in the future of their community.

“This scholarship isn’t just about honoring Jerry’s memory,” said one event attendee, a longtime resident of Greece. “It’s about encouraging our young people to follow in his footsteps—to get involved, to lead, and to make a difference.”

With the sun setting behind the Town Hall and the sounds of Zac Brown favorites filling the twilight air, the event closed on a high note. It was a moment of unity, one that captured the small-town charm and shared values that define the Town of Greece.

For more information on the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship, those interested can reach out to the Greece Youth Board by calling (585) 723-2934 or by emailing [email protected].

As the food trucks packed up and the last chords of music rang out, one thing was clear: the spirit of Jerry Helfer continues to live on—not only through the scholarship but through every handshake, smile, and act of community shown on this special evening.