GREENFIELD — We see them on the highways — big trucks. Loud trucks. We see them on their way to emergencies — fire engines and ambulances. We see them at construction sites — moving dirt and rock, digging deep holes. We see them on the news during times of crises — military vehicles keeping Americans safe. And most of the time, we step back and stay out of the way. Important things are happening: homes and businesses being built, goods and equipment being moved across the country, lives being protected and saved.
Except for when we have a chance to touch a truck. See them up close, and maybe even climb inside and sit behind the wheel.
You can do just that at Greenfield Main Street’s Touch a Truck event from noon to 5 p.m. March 13 at the corner of South St. and Pennsylvania.
Greenfield Main Street’s Director Debra Smith promises between 15 and 20 vehicles, ranging from fire engines to a Bobcat mini-excavator.
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In October of 2020, Smith surveyed the community for input into future goals and projects for Greenfield Main Street. When the results came in, one thing that jumped out at her was the need for more family friendly activities.
“We didn’t really have a whole lot for kids and families,” Smith acknowledged.
To that end, Smith partnered with Greenfield’s first responders, Greenfield City Power and Light and NineStar Connect.
“We invited them to all come together and show off their trucks,” Smith said.
And the event is free.
“With people being out of work or under-employed because of COVID-19,” Smith said, “we didn’t want that to be a barrier.”
Among the vehicles that kids — and their parents — can get close to are a fire engine, a police cruiser, a semi-trailer truck, a SWAT team tactical vehicle, a dump truck, a cement truck, a front-end loader, a couple of bucket trucks and even a mine-resistant all-terrain vehicle from the Indiana National Guard.
No downtown event is ever complete without food trucks. The Cajun Boiler, Moo and Lou’s Frozen Treats and Say Cheese will be on hand with a variety of lunches, snacks and drinks for purchase.
Greenfield Main Street has worked with the Hancock County Health Department on COVID-19 precautions for sanitizing and safety procedures.
Individual trucks are encouraged to give safety demonstrations and talk about their vehicles.
Some trucks will be open for people to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel, and some will not, Smith said, for obvious safety reasons.
Attendees will be asked to enter through a check-in tent to sign a waiver and get a wrist band before approaching any of the trucks.
Smith and the rest of Greenfield Main Street are hoping for a March-like-a-lamb day and a good turnout.
The first hour of the event — from noon until 1 p.m. — is a quiet hour, Smith said, for children with sensory issues or who don’t appreciate the sirens and the lights.
“We want it to be an inclusive event for everyone,” Smith said.
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What: Greenfield Main Street’s Touch a Truck
When: noon to 5 p.m. March 13
Where: the corner of South St. and Pennsylvania (the old Harvest Market parking lot)
The first hour of the event – from noon until 1 p.m. – for children with sensory issues or those who are afraid of loud noises.
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