Little kids enjoy big toys at Touch-a-Truck event
Vehicles of all shapes set up at Gale Centre for families to check out
They came. They saw. They honked.
Horns were blaring throughout the day Saturday at Gale Centre in Niagara Falls. From police cars, a fire truck and even a snow plow. In some cases, the culprits had to stretch to reach the steering wheel.
The parking lot was full of families for the return of Touch-a-Truck, part of National Public Works Week. The free event was back for the first time since 2019, offering about 11 vehicles including police cruisers, construction vehicles and a Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. bucket truck.
“It’s community involvement,” said Niagara Falls street supervisor Ron Wood. “Show the kids the big machinery and show the parents what their taxes are buying.”
The city’s municipal works team was on hand for demonstrations (but no test drives) as kids eagerly lined up to sit behind the wheel.
As expected, a Niagara Falls Fire Department truck with its basket fully extended was one of the more popular attractions. But kids — and plenty of dads — also flocked to the Niagara Regional Police all-black emergency task unit vehicle near the entrance.
Wood said the police and fire vehicles were set up by the exits in case they had to leave in a hurry.
Two-year-old Nolan Ley of St. Catharines was happy to lean on the horn of every truck he climbed into, with help from dad Shawn. The fire truck and hydro bucket truck were his favourites.
“He loves big trucks,” said mom Jennifer. “He’s been talking about (this day) since we read about it last week.
“He likes noisy trucks. He’s a typical boy.”
He has already informed his parents of his future job: “He says a garbage man or a fireman so far, is what we’re getting,” said Jennifer.
Four-year-old Leo Wood, meanwhile, got comfy behind the wheel of a large riding mower the city uses for its parks. His favourite was the NRP’s ETU vehicle, in which kids could climb into the back.
Project Share hosted a charity barbecue at the event, with funds going to support essential support services. Niagara Region’s water wagon, which promotes safe drinking water, was also giving out free bottles of tap water.
National Public Works Week concluded Saturday.