Touch A Truck - July 30, 2011

Even though we spent too much time in the ER this morning, we took a quick nap and headed off to Touch a Truck. We took the kids last year and they loved it so much that I couldn't wait for us to go again. Neither could they. My little one wouldn't dream of staying home and lying around when there were race cars and monster trucks and buses and all sorts of trucks to see.

This year was vastly different than last year. Last year, it was raining on the way there, but had subsided so it was only a little grey, but the temperature was pleasant. This year, the 90+ degree weather was stifling and we were all drenched in sweat within minutes of walking over to the field.

It's wonderful to see all the local businesses pulling out there vehicles for children and adults alike to explore. From the tractor trailers to the tractors, there were so many things to see. The city buses and school buses and a variety of police vehicles. My youngest was a big fan of all the race cars and was not timid about climbing in them this year (what a difference a year makes). This year, I noticed the VW bugs with the monster truck sized wheels. We see those driving down the road, so the boys were excited to climb inside.

The fire department pulls out the fireman's foam for this event too. We didn't take the kids over to it this year because in my extreme exhaustion I forgot a change of clothes. Truth be told, it was so hot, the kids would have dried off before we reached the car.

I can't wait for next year's Touch a Truck (and I hope the weather is just a bit more pleasurable). This is a great opportunity to see where my children's interests lie. Whether they are flocking to the Army vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles, or race cars, I get to see what they are interested in. Not only is this a chance for the kids to learn about the vehicles that make the community go round, it's a great opportunity for businesses to make the community aware of them. I always see a business that I hadn't seen before when we go. I like to pick up the freebies that are given out (who doesn't enjoy getting free pens, paper, and fake bugs?). Those freebies given out by businesses help remind me of the company when I am in need of a service. It's a win-win situation for kids and parents alike. If you have not been, look for it the last weekend in July.