SOUTHINGTON — The sound of honking truck horns could be heard across the Southington Drive-in Saturday as dozens of local children explored a variety of vehicles at the 17th annual Touch-a-Truck event.
Food, music and prizes were available to guests in addition to a collection of vehicles ranging from construction and tow trucks, police and fire vehicles and even a goatmobile. The event was hosted by the recreation department and co-sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary at the Southington Drive-In, 995 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike.
Children had the chance to sit in the driver’s seat, grab the steering wheel, press different buttons and explore the differences in the vehicles. Bryan Stolz, of Farmington, stood outside and watched his daughter honk the horn of a tractor.
“She’s liking making a lot of noise,” he said.
Stolz said he has been to other Touch a Truck events in other towns, but it was the first time bringing his family to this event. He said he decided to attend with his family because his daughter loves trucks.
“My daughter always loves them,” Stolz said. “She loved the garbage truck in the front.”
Resident Andy Cracco said it was his first time at the event and he decided to bring his family to the event after seeing an advertisement. Cracco said he brought his daughter who loves trucks, especially fire trucks and bulldozers, to see them up close.
“We love having things to do that are free too so it’s perfect,” Cracco said.
Jamie Sewell, of Southington Power Sports, displayed several ATV vehicles for guests to sit on and take pictures with. Sewell said the company sells a variety of machines and vehicles. Sewell said the event is a great opportunity to introduce children to these machines and vehicles by interacting with them.
“It’s a great way to get people out of the house and come to an affordable event and see all of the cool stuff that you normally wouldn’t see,” Sewell said. “They’re very excited and jumping in the machines.”
Stolz said although he lives in Farmington, he is a Southington native. He said the event pulls everyone together in the local community and gives residents the opportunity to interact with the local businesses.
“That kind of connection between the business community and the resident community is really important,” Stolz said. “It’s one of the things giving Southington it’s feel. It’s having that connection.”
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