Children young and old got close to big mining trucks, fire trucks, buses, ambulances, explored how they work, pushed the buttons that send out alarms and other fun things as part of the third annual Touch a Truck event at the Timmins Public Library on Saturday.
Traffic along Second Avenue from Spruce Street South to Brunette St. S. was closed and the several big trucks were parked in front of the Timmins Public Library building for children and their families to explore.
“The idea started with some of the libraries in Southern Ontario,” said Marie McEvoy, the early literacy specialist for the North Eastern Ontario Family and Child Services (NEOFACS).
“This is the third year we are having it at the Timmins Public Library,” she said.
“The idea is to attract children and their families to come down and have a look at these big trucks,” McEvoy added. “And while they are here check out what the library has to offer.”
Trucks on hand include a mining truck, a school bus, an ambulance, a Timmins Transit bus, a garbage truck and two fire trucks. Their drivers were on hand to help answer questions that the children or their parents might have about the various facets of their vehicles.
Also on hand was Rick Dubeau, Councillor for Ward 5 which takes in the library.
Dubeau, representing Mayor Steve Black, cut the ribbon to officially open Touch a Truck at the library.
“I think it is an excellent idea and excellent initiative,” he said. “Kids love trucks and this will get them to the library and see what it all about.”
“I really applaud all these groups on putting this event together and all the volunteers who have come out to help make it possible,” Councillor Dubeau added.
And Councillor Dubeau knows trucks - at least fire trucks - as he worked as a firefighter before going into business and becoming a councillor for the City of Timmins.
“This our third and every year it gets better,” said McEvoy. “Our first year we had 200 families participate.”
In addition to the trucks the day was marked with draws for prizes, book swaps, face painting and a chance to pet therapy dogs that were roaming the library. And every child could fill out a passport of all the events they visited.
As for the trucks, the fire trucks got a lot of attention but each one had its own admirers. Most of the children went from one truck to the other eager to sit in the front seat and toot the horn or turn on the flashing lights.
Parents also had their turn to enjoy the big trucks and learn about the library.
Face painting and activities and a table devoted to books about trucks were found indoors at the library.
