It is National Ketchup Day!

It is National Ketchup Day! Why today? Probably because summer is right around the corner and ketchup is a national staple in America. It is as American as baseball and apple pie. Some people put it on almost every kind of food. Others just stick to hot dogs, hamburgers and french fries. And if you have kids chances are your household uses a LOT of ketchup.

We took a long and winding road to get to National Ketchup Day. For example, did you know it was first made out of anchovies? In China? Yes, fermented fish sauce was the original ketchup. Try smothering your french fries with that! Or better yet, how would your kids react to a hefty dose of anchovy paste on their plate? Yuk!

Here are some more fun facts about America's number one condiment:

The world's biggest supplier of ketchup is Heinz. The first documented record of ketchup was in 1812. By the 1830's it was considered a medicine. That probably had to do with its high acid content. That leads us to another related fun fact. Ketchup is one of the few packaged foods that does not contain preservatives. Again, the vinegar helps to preserve it due to it high acid content. Did you know it takes about 4 table spoons of ketchup to equal the nutritional value of a medium sized tomato?

In America ketchup is everywhere. U.S. families go through about 3 bottles per year. (If you have children then it must be higher). And you will find ketchup in 97 percent of all American households.

We discuss topics like National Ketchup Day (and sports) on Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida every weekday from 2-6. Join us!

There was a so-called soft opening over the weekend. However, the new downtown Fort Myers food truck park officially opened with a ribbon cutting and VIP party yesterday. It's called Bay Street Yard and it's a great addition to the downtown scene.

Bay Street Yard is crafted from old shipping containers creating an urban chic vibe. It's casual but still has class. It also has a good flow from the entertainment area to the seating and the food trucks. People are excited about it.

The city's first official food truck park takes up some 12,000 square feet in a former parking lot across from the Luminary Hotel and behind the parking garage.

Paradise Hospitality Group is operating the three food trucks found along the back perimeter of the park. First, Bay Street Butcher serves the meat. Think slider, burgers, and a variety of hotdogs all with gourmet toppings.

Next, Rick's Taco Cartel serves several kinds of tacos, including vegan. You can also get spicy queso, nachos and crispy corn bites that were the hit of the evening. For dessert, they have churros.

Finally, Bonzai Asian Street Cuisine serves food such as Korean fried chicken and pork belly bao buns. You'll also find sushi inspired dishes such as an Ahi Tune Crisp and a California roll that gets deep fried into a perfect little bite.

There are two full-service bars with craft cocktails, draft beer and wine. For big events there are also pop-up beverage carts to help with wait times.

The park features an impressive stage for bands and entertainment. There are LED screens perfect for big sporting events, and lawn games for the entire family. Reserve one of the three VIP spaces on the roof for a great view and some privacy. They have shade, comfortable seating and bottle service.

Click here for a video of the action from the official opening celebration.