Summer is farmers market season, and along with the fruits and vegetables come food trucks.

From Eatonville to the north end of Tacoma and from Steilacoom to Puyallup, the food trucks line up alongsi

de the other vendors to provide lunch and snacks to the crowds who come to shop at the summer markets. And by the way, check with your local market for dates, because some of these sites are open through the fall and beyond.

In Lakewood, we sampled food from Shelton’s Dogonegood truck (503 871-6571),Whistlestop Concessions booth (253-318-0311), and Potato Tornado (find information on their Facebook page). We also checked in at Lumpia Love, which is not a truck but a traveling booth serving the Filipino fried meat-filled delicacy that resembles egg rolls but is smaller and with different spices. They also serve stir fry, and information is available on Facebook.

From Whistlestop, we tried the Rueben sandwich with chips, soda and fruit ($8.90), the Plymouth Rock (turkey, cranberry sauce and cream cheese on a croissant for $8.20), and strawberry fruitcake on pound cake with whipped cream for $6.80.

The sandwiches were excellent with lots of fillings, and the Rueben was piping-hot and loaded with corned beef.  The shortcake dessert was large, with two big slices of poundcake and a scoop of ice cream on top of lots of fresh strawberries. Delectable!

 From Dogonegood, we got a chili dog at $5 which was spicy and loaded with chili and extra cheese which I ordered.

From Potato Tornado, we got the signature spiral-sliced potato, deep-fried on a stick for $4, and it was crunchy and spicy and a great snack.

Food trucks are a lot of fun.  They have a great variety of menus and are covered by the same regulations as regular restaurants.  There are dozens in Pierce County, and you can look on line for locations or festivals, but it is more fun to see which ones have pulled up at your local farmers market during the weekly presentations. Proprietors are happy to answer questions and provide special orders where possible. Prices tend to be reasonable, and the food is all freshly made and usually very good.

IF YOU GO

Parking can be a problem at a crowded farmers market, and you will be walking and eating as you go, so be prepared for the picnic atmosphere.  Trucks may vary from week to week, but that is part of the fun,  and the variety is interesting as the season progresses.

Carolyn Augustine, who writes the Senior Eats column for Senior Scene, is a freelance restaurant reviewer.