Touch a Truck program welcomes community on Aug. 5
By Barb Pert Templeton
Hundreds of people are expected to turnout at Smith Recreation Park in Algonac on Tuesday, Aug. 5 for a National Night Out Touch a Truck event. The program, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., is hosted by the group Algonac Alive.
The free event allows those in attendance to see police, fire and emergency vehicles up close along with construction vehicles and town trucks. There will also be food vendors and a bounce house for little ones.
A national program celebrated across the country on designated dates each year, this will be the third annual happening in Algonac.
At the website Natw.org the event is defined like this: National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. The state of Texas and select areas celebrate the first Tuesday in October.
A flyer sharing information about the upcoming event hosted by Algonac Alive is circulating in the community.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Algonac Fire Chief Joseph Doan who helps organize the Touch a Truck event, to pose some questions about the special night.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What is the idea behind National Night Out?
Algonac Fire Chief Joseph Doan: National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign focused on strengthening community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable places to live.
BWHL: How long has Algonac Alive been hosting the event?
Doan: This is our 3rd year
BWHL: Can you share what will go on that evening at Smith Recreation Park?
Doan: This is for the kids- lots of trucks/apparatus from different work forces and community organizations, etc.
BWHL: Where do the various vehicles come from for this event – for example the construction vehicles?
Doan: There are emergency vehicles, constructions equipment, EMS, amongst others and even a bounce house.
BWHL: Who actually works the event greeting attendees that evening?
Doan: Each agency that participates has individuals onsite representing their organization respectfully. Terry Stoneburner volunteers her time to help coordinate that evening.
Vistors to the National Nigh Out Touch A Truck event in Algonac in 2023 took a quick tour of an ambulance.
BWHL: Are there food vendors at this event? If so, what will be available – ice cream, pop, hot dogs?
Doan: Bottled water is donated by BMS CAT, there will also be FREE snow cones and popcorn donated by AFFA. Food will also be available for purchase by Savory Smoked BBQ
BWHL: Does this event draw a large crowd?
Doan: In years past we have seen about 600.
BWHL: Will there be representatives from the local police and fire departments at the event with their vehicles?
Doan: Yes.
BWHL: What do you enjoy about the event?
Doan: The smiles on the children’s faces- this is all about the kids having a great time.
Smith Recreation Park is located at 400 Clay Street in Algonac.
