Children Attend Truck Show at Patterson Rotary's 'Touch-a-Truck for Heroes'

From Rotary Club of Patterson:

The Rotary Club of Patterson held it’s 2nd Annual Touch-a-Truck for Heroes on Saturday, October 8th at Thunder Ridge Ski Area. Close to 1,000 people showed up to view, climb on, and honk the horns of over 30 big trucks, tractors, and more!

“We’re so thrilled to provide a real ‘hands-on’ event for the kids - little kid, big kid, or kid-at-heart. It’s a great day for the whole family,” said Jason Maxwell, Patterson Rotarian/Touch-a-Truck Committee Chair.

“This is a real community event. That’s what it’s all about,” adds Rotarian, John Flanagan.

Touch-a-Truck for Heroes provides free admission for all who attend, however donations were graciously accepted from kind and generous attendees. This is the second year for Patterson Rotary’s Touch-a-Truck for Heroes, but the first time at Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

“Thunder Ridge is happy to be involved in such a great community event for our young kids and we’re pleased to to see such a great turnout,” said Wayne Rider, Partner at Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

All proceeds collected go directly to support local veterans projects.

Patterson Rotarian, Penny Byron brought the idea to the Club last year, noting, “Patterson Rotary held their first Touch-a-Truck last year because we wanted to host a community event specifically to raise funds for Veteran projects and programs in our area as a 'Thank You' for the freedoms we have because of their service.”

The veterans came out to show their support as well. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer - VET 2 VET of Putnam County, Help Our Military Heroes Program, and the New York Riders were on-hand to meet attendees and share about their valuable organizations.

Putnam County Deputy Sheriffs, Claire Pierson and Charles Johnson, offered child car seat checks. Some of the kids at the event who also happen to go to JFK Elementary School in Brewster, were delighted to see a familiar friend as Deputy Johnson is also the School Resource Officer. New York State Police Trooper Fran Torhan brought along a very special visitor, “Wiltse” the bloodhound. Wiltse is a tracking dog from the Canine Unit, and she was happy to meet the excited attendees. The “Amaxx Children’s Construction Zone Play Area” was back again this year, with lots of toy trucks and sand to dig and doze, as was the popular face painting. New to Touch-a-Truck, was the super fun and colorful Sand Art. Tom Furci and the 100.7 Family Fun Crew were on site with their Prize Wheel.

Roseann’s Kitchen food truck came loaded with a phenomenal menu, including the delicious rice balls. Thierry Danvin of Brewster Pastry offered a wonderful selection of his specialty pastries and breads, including French Hot Dogs!

The Rotary Club of Patterson offers congratulations to all the winners of the toy raffles and 50/50 Draw and they look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s Touch-a-Truck for Heroes.

Further information is available through the Rotary Club of Patterson website.

Photos courtesy of Rotary Club of Patterson