TUNKHANNOCK — Saturday was nothing short of beautiful – sunny skies and warm temperatures. And that meant kids were out in full force with their families because what little guy or girl doesn’t love the opportunity to explore all kinds of trucks … beeping horns and crawling all over the insides?
Or, as 3-year-old Jaxson Liddick, of Montrose, said, “I like the tow trucks; they’re my favorite.” Jaxson’s grandmother, Cathey Faux, brought her grandchildren because it was a gorgeous day. They were one of the first 300 through the gate and received a builder and fireman’s hat.
The event began at 10 a.m. and by noon there were at least 300 families – about 500 people at Lazybrook Park for the Dietrich Theater’s Touch A Truck Event. According to Viola Henning, one of the chairs of the Dietrich Fundraising Events, the organization does several fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for children’s programs like art classes and music classes.
“This is only our second year,” Henning said. “Last year, this event got rained out and everyone was poured on, but people still came out to the event because it’s so much fun.“ Henning was certain at least 1,000 people would pass through the event by the end of the day.
Every kind of vehicle was on hand. From emergency responders’ vehicles to fire trucks and the American Red Cross and tractor trailers, military vehicles and even a mini pony with a horse trailer were all on site for the day’s extravaganza which included food trucks and an ice cream truck for those snacking in between.
Erica Rogler, executive director of the Dietrich, said it was a wonderful turnout, and they were so excited to see the community come out and support all the businesses and organizations that brought their trucks out for the little people to explore.
“In a typical year, over 80,000 children and adults benefit from 350 classes and events at the Dietrich Theater,” Rogler said. “And about half of those we serve are children from toddlers all the way through high school. Our goal is to make available need-based scholarships – no child is ever turned away – from programming at the Dietrich. Classes and programs include preschool art classes, music for littles, Everhart Museum classes, reptiles and amphibians of Northeastern Pennsylvania, after school players and many more.”
The successful Touch A Truck event that cost $5 per person and allowed those under 2 years of age to attend free of charge will now allow the Dietrich’s fundraising committee to underwrite many of their classes and events for children and offer need-based scholarships to anyone who asks.