THOMPSON — The NOW Touch-A-Truck will return for its second year of family fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21 and May 22 at the Thompson Speedway. More than 1,000 people attended the NOW fund-raiser in 2015. Children and adults are invited to attend and interact with a variety of vehicles, including farm and construction equipment. Entry to the event is just $10 per car (cash only) — the fee covers parking and entry for adults and children.

The Touch-A-Truck, which began as an event for families to get up close to oversized vehicles, has become an annual fund-raiser for local non-profit Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW). Focused on youth wellness, NOW’s mission is to serve children ages 3 to 14 in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut, providing access to sports, fitness, and nutrition. The 2016 Touch-A-Truck will benefit the organization’s scholarship program and has been generously sponsored by four local dealerships: Cargill Chevrolet, Gates Automotive Group, King Cadillac and GMC, and Putnam Ford. Each dealership will have vehicles on display at the event.

Patrons of the Touch-A-Truck are invited to interact with an impressive display of vehicles from tractors to excavators, dump trucks to bull dozers, fire trucks, race cars, and more. A true community event, many local businesses have joined in, lending their equipment to NOW for the weekend, including: Rawson Materials & Rawson Development, Jolley Concrete, Reynolds Logging, Lavallee Construction, Superior Paving, Hibbard Hill Farm, Cutler Concrete, Dalmik Well Drilling, Whitehouse Transport, Kahn Tractor & Equipment, Dowgiewicz Construction, LaFramboise Well Drilling, Coastal Construction, Donny D Excavation, the Thompson Speedway and more.

The Touch-A-Truck will also see participation from the Putnam Police Department, with their K9 unit and Hummer. Throughout the weekend, the Connecticut State Police will be on hand with a police motorcycle and radar gun. On Sunday only, the State Police will run a Bike Rodeo for children, teaching bicycle safety. Kids aged 6-12 are invited to bring a bike and helmet and must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The event will also see trucks from local fire departments – a favorite for children of all ages.  

May 21, parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to sign up for an Amber Alert I.D. card with the Killingly Brooklyn Rotary Club. Saturday will also feature the RE/MAX hot air balloon, a fun addition to the late spring event. NOW is proud to receive volunteer support from the Natchaug River Young Marines and Boy Scout Troop #25, helping with parking, clean-up, and assisting event attendees.

Adding to the excitement, The Little T Quarter Midget Club will have an exhibition race at the event on Saturday the 21st, with a full day of racing on Sunday the 22nd. The Club promotes racing for kids ages 5-16 years old, teaching sportsmanship, safety and fun. In addition to the races, The Little T’s will have display cars at the event.

In the coming days, NOW will continue to update social media, including the organization’s Facebook page and event page, with additional activities and attractions confirmed for the weekend.  For more information on Northeast Opportunities for Wellness and the Touch-A-Truck, visit: www.nowinmotion.org or call 888-940-4669.

 

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