Whenever an adult sees an ambulance or fire truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring, they usually know to pull over to the side of the road to clear the way.

When a child sees those same flashing lights and horns, they generally stare in amazement, straining to watch until the oversized vehicle fades from view.

Some may even shout an enthusiastic, "Truck!"

On Saturday, parents and children alike will be able to get up close and personal with a few "really big trucks" during the annual Touch-A-Truck event at City Park in Gainesville from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

From tractor-trailer cabs to UPS trucks, kids will get more than an eyeful Saturday. They'll get to walk through and see how things work.

Parents can even take a break from their, "Don't touch" speech. Touching is not only acceptable, it's encouraged.
"My son loves Touch-A-Truck. We don't miss it," said Robyn Lynch, mother of 6-year-old Ryan Lynch.

"He loves the big rigs, the ambulances and the school buses."

The annual touch-fest has been going strong for the last 11 years and is sponsored by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation department. Admission is free.

In addition to commercial participants, city and Hall County government agencies bring out some of their larger work vehicles for viewing. In some cases, kids get the opportunity to push the buttons and turn the knobs that activate all of the bells and whistles.

For some children that are a bit more timid, Touch-A-Truck serves as an opportunity to overcome fears by seeing what things are all about up close.

Touch-A-Truck can also serve as a source of inspiration for some.

"He likes the dump trucks and race cars, but he fell in love with a big, red truck," Lynch said about her 6-year-old.

"He says that when he gets bigger, that's what he wants to do — drive a big, red truck."

So if you aren't familiar with a Mack Titan or a GPM Pumper, head on over to City Park at 830 Green St.

Be sure to get a good look, but don't forget the most important aspect of the visit is to "touch a truck."