As an adult, you likely remember the childhood feeling of awe whenever an emergency vehicle would race by heroically with sirens blaring.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, you can revisit this childhood curiosity and bring your kids to the second annual Touch a Truck event held at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. At the event, children will see a wide variety of vehicles, climb aboard, and meet the people who operate them.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and admission is free for families with children eight years old or younger.
The event is different from a car show in that it allows you to interact with the vehicles, rather than having them on static display. From loader buckets curling to engines revving and sirens blaring, children can see how various equipment works and even honk the horn and turn on the sirens.
To enhance learning, there will be fun and interactive games on site and children who attend will be given a free book, courtesy of the resource centre.
“The drivers were awesome last year at planning little things to do. For example, the ambulance driver would invite the kids to lie down so they get an experience on what it might be like,” said Christine Boyczuk, the literacy co-ordinator at the resource centre.
Attendees will have a concession and craft tables available, but it’s best to call in advance for confirmation on vending options as they are prone to change.
Last year’s event saw a great turnout, positive reviews, and a surprise performance by dancers from Dance Images by BJ. This year’s event may have a few surprises as well.
Local businesses and organizations have an opportunity to engage with the community and leave a positive, lasting impression with youths. Any local organization with a vehicle is invited to sign up and registration is free of charge.
Lunch will be provided to registrants who are attending their vehicle by the event organizers. Registrants are also reminded that this is the perfect opportunity to bring promotional material including pamphlets, wearables, and other merchandise to help promote their organization.
If you’re looking to register, categories include emergency and military vehicles, commercial and construction equipment, farm equipment, and any unique, rare, or novelty vehicles.
Emergency vehicles will include police cruisers, firetrucks, and ambulances; commercial and construction equipment includes dump trucks, cement mixers, and 18-wheelers among others; farm equipment includes tractors and ploughs; rare or unique vehicles can include anything from limousines to monster trucks to antique cars and trucks.
For children with sensory concerns, event organizers will address this by turning lights and sirens off between 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. for sensory sensitive time.
Event organizers also wish to remind parents that children who attend must be accompanied by an adult.
The Touch a Truck event is sponsored by the Moose Jaw and District Early Years Coalition (MJEYC). MJEYC is a collaboration of numerous agencies that serve to address the needs of local children.
To register your vehicle at the event or for further information such as vending options, contact Wanda Peakman at 306-691-0202 or Christine Boyczuk at 306-693-0609.
The Moose Jaw Events Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest and the event will be held on the east side of the building facing First Avenue.
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