Kids can explore big rigs at Touch-A-Truck event

A chance to get a close-up view of big trucks is coming to Glen Ellyn May 6 when the Glen Ellyn Park District presents "Touch-A-Truck."

The Glen Ellyn Fire Department's new fire truck will be among the vehicles on display at Maryknoll Park at this free event. There also will be a Glen Ellyn Police Department vehicle, a residential garbage truck and a heavy-duty tow truck. A steamroller also will be at the event, ready to flatten aluminum cans brought to the event by visitors.

New this year is the addition of a semi-tractor trailer from the College of DuPage's truck-driving school and a Mobile Stroke Unit ambulance from Central DuPage Hospital.

Also new this year will be an alternate parking area available at the nearby Roosevelt Glen Corporate Center, 799 Roosevelt Road, where a free school bus shuttle will pick up and drop off Touch-A-Truck visitors every 15 minutes. Parking at Maryknoll Park is extremely limited and fills up quickly, so the shuttle will provide a helpful alternative.

The event appeals to kids of all ages, but it's especially fun for preschoolers and kindergarten students, said Jessica Marquez, park district recreation supervisor.

"That age group is fascinated by vehicles and trucks," she said.

For the first time, there will be a horn-free hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for visitors who are sensitive to loud noises.

Trackless train rides for children and adults will be available for $2 per ticket.

Marquez said fire department vehicles and fire department personnel are always a big draw at Touch-A-Truck. She said the fire department may allow children to try holding a fire hose while it sprays water into a nearby field, weather permitting.

"They'll let the kids try on the boots and the jacket," she said.

The park district will give away tote bags, while supplies last, that can be used to collect other giveaway prizes at the event. There also will be a free drawing for a remote-control car for visitors who will be asked to fill out a survey about the event, she said.

A popular event that drew between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors last year, Touch-A-Truck will go on, rain or shine. Registration is not required.

Touch-A-Truck is sponsored, in part, by DuPage Pediatric Dentistry and Pro-Home Services.

For more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District, please visit www.gepark.org.