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Saturday's Touch-a-Truck lets kids get close to big rigs
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Ever wanted to get up close to a big truck? You can at Saturday's annual Touch-A-Truck event at City Park. - photo by File photo

12th annual Touch-A-Truck

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: City Park, Gainesville

Cost: Free

More info: 70-531-2680, online

Remember that feeling of pushing your Tonka truck through the dirt? How about the first time grandpa let you ride with him on the tractor?

This weekend, you can have that feeling again. Gainesville Parks and Recreation wants everyone to know you are never too old to play with trucks.

But just in case you feel a little silly showing up to an event with an inflatable bounce house, you can bring the kids, too.

In fact, you can bring the whole family to Gainesville's 12th annual Touch-A-Truck event. Fire trucks, ambulances, tractor-trailer cabs and even a UPS truck will be there with drivers showing kids how the rigs work and how loud their horns can blow.

"This free event is a safe way to see and touch your favorite big machines up close," said Julie Butler Colombini, communications manager for Gainesville Parks and Recreation.

The trucks will be at City Park in Gainesville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, revving their engines and giving little tykes a boost behind the drivers' seats. And while the adults are reliving their childhood moments, the free bounce house will be available to occupy the kiddies.

The past years' Touch-a-Truck events have brought lots of young, curious minds who were able to tour dump trucks and fire engines as well as talk to the guys and gals who operate these vehicles on a daily basis. So look at it as a learning experience, too.

And don't forget to bring your cameras!

Concessions and T-shirts will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Gainesville Parks and Recreation at 770-531-2680 or visit online.