Aiken Welcomes Families for Touch-a-Truck Event
Aiken, South Carolina, buzzed with excitement on September 14, 2024, as families flocked to Virginia Acres Park for the annual Touch-a-Truck event. The day was filled with the sounds of revving engines, cheerful laughter, and the occasional sprinkle of rain, creating a lively atmosphere for kids and adults alike. With a cloudy sky overhead, temperatures climbed to a mild 81°F, making it a perfect day for outdoor fun.
Vehicles Galore!
The event featured a stunning array of vehicles for kids to explore, ranging from fire trucks to police cars, military trucks, and even 18-wheelers. Jessica Opfer, a recreation program coordinator for Aiken’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, shared her delight about the turnout. “It was a really good turnout,” she said, estimating attendance at around 1,200 people throughout the day. “Most of our vehicles came, and our vendors were great this year. I think it was the biggest one yet!”
Making Connections
As families wandered through the park, they encountered various organizations eager to share their knowledge and experiences. The Aiken Department of Public Safety was on hand with their bright red fire truck, which quickly became a favorite among the younger attendees. Brothers Colin Davis, 3, and Wyatt Davis, 7, were spotted climbing in and out of the vehicle, taking in all the dazzling equipment.
Other attractions included a bucket truck from Aiken Electric Cooperative, which caught the eyes of many curious kids. It wasn’t just about the vehicles—there were also community organizations like Bikers Against Child Abuse and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, showcasing a boat and spreading awareness about their work in the community.
A New Addition and Enthusiastic Kids
This year marked a first for A Tow Truck, a local business based on Richland Avenue. Co-owner Staci Cheatham shared that children bombarded her with questions about their trucks. “They are asking questions about the spikes on the wheels, and what different items on the trucks are used for. They think the trucks are so cool, and of course, they want to blow the horns!” she laughed, delighted by the curious minds.
Emergency Preparedness and Four-Legged Friends
Supporting the event, Kimberly Gonzalez from the American Red Cross shared some important materials about emergency preparedness with the families. “The kids wanted to play around with the horn because the van had two horns,” she remembered fondly. Gonzalez’s enthusiasm matched the exuberance of the event, making learning about safety feel fun and engaging.
The event also had its share of furry friends, thanks to the presence of the Aiken Volunteer Mounted Unit. Kids could get up close and personal with two majestic horses and a mini-horse, creating lasting memories of a unique experience.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the event unfolded, the smiles and laughter of children filled the air, exciting the community and showcasing the strong ties within Aiken. With light winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph, it felt just right for families to spend quality time together amidst the impressive displays.
In a world filled with uncertainties, days like the Touch-a-Truck event remind us of the joy and unity that can be found in our community. As attendees left the park, it was evident that the experience was more than just a showcase of vehicles; it was a celebration of curiosity, education, and community spirit.
