The third annual Touch a Truck Day will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, featuring more than 30 different emergency and construction vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and a crane, said Buhl Park Executive Director Tom Roskos.
“It’s a nice weekend of arts and culture and themed activities,” Roskos said.
Besides viewing and taking pictures, children will be allowed to interact with the vehicles, such as climbing inside to get a better view.
This year the Hermitage Fire Department will bring its new heavy rescue truck which carries equipment and, possibly, a water taskforce trailer with SCUBA and swift water equipment.
“We’ll pick things that are a little different instead of all the same stuff,” Fire chief John Flynn said.
The Hermitage Police Department will also attend with either a marked car or an Explorer, giving kids a chance to see a police officer and their equipment up-close, said Police Chief Eric Jewell.
“It’s a nice first-hand view of our mobile office,” Jewell said. “Between us and the fire department, it represents the city fantastically.”
In addition to the mix of emergency and construction vehicles, this year’s Touch a Truck will feature the Mercer County Shrine Club, which is expected to present a couple of miniature vehicles.
Admission to Touch a Truck Day is free with concessions available. The first 200 visitors will be eligible to purchase a souvenir cup in the shape of a monster truck tire, said Roskos.
After the event ends at 4 p.m., a concert featuring the County Mayo Irish band will begin at 6 p.m., allowing visitors to rest or get a bite to eat between the trucks and music.
Also coming up at Buhl Park are the traditional Buhl 5k and the debut of the Half Marathon on Sept. 4.
Local residents are already familiar with the roughly three-mile-long 5k, since every year it leads the beginning of the Buhl Day parade.
“It’s like running a corridor of people cheering for you. That makes it unique for the whole course to be lined with spectators,” Roskos said of the run.
Complementing the Buhl 5k this year will be the Half Marathon, a roughly 12-mile-long run that Roskos said developed because of public interest.