Could high fuel prices wreck the annual Touch-A-Truck event? 05/01/2008

Could high fuel prices wreck the annual Touch-A-Truck event? Thu, 05/01/2008 - 9:54amBy: The Citizen Touch a Truck is the popular event that allows children to climb aboard all types of trucks, tractors, road and construction equipment, novelty vehicles and public safety vehicles to push buttons, pull levers, sound sirens and horns and practice driving the big rigs. The free event, scheduled for Saturday, May 10th from 10am to 2pm, is sponsored by the Peachtree City Parks & Recreation Department.

“Companies that participated in the past have called to say they can’t make it this year. The cost of fuel to haul in equipment or to keep it operating for the four hours of the event is a major factor,” event coordinator Ashley Alonso reports. “I have spent countless hours recruiting vehicles and they all think it is a great event. We just can’t do it this year. Call us next year, they say,” Alonso says.

“The city has committed vehicles from public works and public safety. If we can’t get more participation, the event may have to be cancelled. We will need to make a decision by May 5th,” Alonso reports. There are a few companies who have confirmed, but not enough to make this a successful event. "I have noticed a lot of companies will confirm, then withdraw within a week," says Alonso.

If there are any companies out there that have interesting vehicles that are willing to participate, please call Ashley Alonso at 770-631-2542. The event is looking for cars, limousines, tractor trailers, any truck with a neat paint job, ice cream trucks, monster trucks, lifted trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment or machinery, trains, antique vehicles, box trucks, concrete pumping trucks, bucket trucks, go karts, race cars, 18 wheelers, motor homes, trolleys, party buses, etc. Alonso says, "Any and every vehicle is a hit with these children."

“The kids will be so disappointed if the trucks don’t come. This event is a favorite with families. What child doesn’t like trucks? Over the years, we have some adorable pictures of little tykes having fun and learning how things work. We want to hold this event if at all possible. So truck owners, help us out.” said Alonso.

If it becomes necessary to cancel the event, updates will be posted on the website, www.ptcrecreation.org. You may call the Parks & Recreation office at 770-631-2542 for additional information or email Ashley Alonso at aalonso@peachtree-city.org.