The Herculaneum Fire Department, the city of Herculaneum and Parents as Teachers of Herculaneum will hold the 12th annual Things That Go event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 14, at William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave., in Herculaneum.
The event is free and offers children an opportunity to get an up-close look at a variety of vehicles, including construction equipment, race cars, firetrucks, police vehicles, service trucks, recreational vehicles, ambulances, helicopters, tow trucks and many other things that go.
Kim Richardson, Parents as Teachers director, said typically between 800-1,000 people attend the yearly event. She said Things That Go is geared toward children up to 5 years old, along with their families, but all ages are welcome.
Richardson said several vehicles at the event are popular among the children.
“The children love the trash truck from Waste Connections. They also seemed to really be drawn to the school bus from the Dunklin School District and the firetrucks,” she said.
Richardson said many adults enjoy the smaller construction equipment, such as skid steers and back hoes.
“They also are always interested in looking at the police cars up close and all the bells and whistles on the inside on the police cars,” she said.
Richardson said both kids and adults alike enjoy looking at the monster truck from Anytime Autoglass.
She said the event sometimes brings vehicles people may not expect to see, like a recumbent bicycle, a four-wheeler, old cars and dune buggies.
“Last year the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office brought their SWAT truck and Special Operations vehicle, which was very interesting to see up close,” Richardson said.
This year is the first event since the death of event organizer and former Herculaneum Mayor Bill Haggard.
Richardson said the goal is to honor Haggard by making the Things That Go event bigger and better than ever, and plans are still being made for other ways to honor him during the event.
“We really miss Bill and all he has done for our Parents as Teachers program and our whole community,” she said. “Bill has truly left a legacy in the events he has started that will continue in his memory.”
Richardson said Joachim Avenue in front of the park likely will be closed during the event, but attendees should be able to get to the park using Scenic Drive, which is the next street north of Joachim Avenue when driving on Hwy. 61-67.
Richardson said the Bay of Naples Splash Zone at Kade’s Playground will be open during the event so parents may want to bring a towel and change of clothing for their children.
The Jefferson County Health Department will give away free bicycle helmets while supplies last.
For more information about the event, call 636-933-0792.