A child gives a thumbs up at the first Touch a Truck event last year. (Photo provided)
SARANAC LAKE – Children of all ages can explore big trucks and emergency vehicles, learn how they work and sit in the driver’s seat when the Saranac Lake Civic Center hosts the “Touch a Truck” event on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Police, fire, municipalities, contractors and businesses will bring an assortment of trucks, safety/rescue vehicles and heavy equipment to the civic center for this family-friendly event. There will also be food vendors on site, there will be activities for the kids and much more.
Admission to Touch a Truck is $5 (online pre-sale ticket) or $8 on the day of the event. New this year is the opportunity to purchase a commemorative t-shirt. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Civic Center, with proceeds supporting community programs such as public ice skating as well as facility operations.
“We weren’t sure what to expect at last year’s inaugural event, but it was a huge success. Nearly a thousand participants from the community supported the event and had a great time,” said Marnie Crane of the Saranac Lake Civic Center. “Due to its success, Touch a Truck is now in its second year and we hope to be even bigger and better in the years to come. It’s a great opportunity for children and families to see their favorite vehicles and equipment up close while supporting the Civic Center.”
The first hour of Touch A Truck, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., is silent, with no honking, to accommodate children who are sensitive to noise. Throughout the event, there will also be demonstrations by various vehicle participants and activities for children, such as face painting and balloon animals.
Many families who attended the event last year have asked for a repeat of the event.
“We are really looking forward to the return of Touch a Truck. The kids had so much fun with it last year,” said Meghan Wolter, longtime supporter of the Civic Center and wife of manager Matthew Wolter. “Months later, whenever we came to the Civic Center, they would ask us, ‘Mom, when is Touch a Truck again?'”
Henrik, Matt and Meghan’s son, says he’s saving his piggy bank money for a really big excavator so he can bring it to Touch a Truck one day.
Potential participants who would like to display their vehicles can still register for the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information and tickets, visit www.saranaclakeciviccenter.org/touchatruck or call 518-637-7401.
