GALLERY: Ephrata touch-a-truck attracts a crowd
Children and their families were able to meet the operators of some of the vehicles and were shown some of the associated equipment as well at the Touch-A-Truck event in Ephrata on Saturday. The local event supported the Ephrata Food Bank and included a food drive.
REBECCA PETTINGILL/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
The Ephrata Fire Department had a firehose set up and a firefighter helped children to spray the hose to ‘put out’ a fire. First responder organizations take opportunities such as Touch-A-Truck to connect with local children and educate them on safety.
The Touch-A-Truck event was held at the Splash Zone parking lot. Dozens of families came out to see the many different service trucks in Grant County.
Grant County Sheriff’s Office was in attendance at the event and handed out stickers to children. GCSO attends many public events as a way of supporting community efforts to help those in need and to connect with the public.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office even brought their boat for children to climb aboard and check out. Police boats are help GCSO respond to events on local lakes.
EPHRATA - The Ephrata Touch-A-Truck event saw dozens of families at the Splash Zone parking lot on Saturday.
More than a dozen emergency, construction and military vehicles from around the county were lined up with staff ready to greet patrons. Children were able to climb aboard some, and even turn on the lights or sirens in some cases. Others had gear and tools to share and explain what they do.
Some of the groups there included the Ephrata Fire Department, Washington Department of Transportation, G and D Lock and Key, Grant County Fire District 13, Ephrata Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Grant County Sheriff's Office, Port of Moses Lake, Grant County Transit Authority, Northwest Barricade and Signs and Consolidated Disposal Services Inc.
The free event included additional activities including crafts and food and drink from area vendors. Donations from an incorporated food drive supported the Ephrata Food Bank and anyone who donated food was entered into a drawing to win a birthday party at the Ephrata Fire Department. A sensory-friendly hour was held from 10-11 a.m. so that those with sensitivities to sensory overload could participate.
Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.
