If you or your children would like to get a close-up look at a firetruck, ambulance or other interesting vehicle, you’ll have the chance on Saturday, Sept. 13, when Parents as Teachers, the Herculaneum Fire Department and the city of Herculaneum hold the 13th annual Things That Go.
The free event will run from 10 a.m. to noon at William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave., in Herculaneum.
Typically between 800 and 1,000 people attend the free gathering, said Kim Richardson, Parents as Teachers director.
“It has become a very popular event,” she said.
In addition to a firetruck and ambulance, a wide variety of vehicles will be on display, such as a police car, fire rescue boat, helicopter, monster truck, tow truck, school bus, recreational vehicle and more.
Richardson said several vehicles are especially popular year after year.
“The kids love the trash truck from Waste Connections and the school bus from the Dunklin School District,” she said. “Kids and adults alike seem to be fascinated by the firetrucks, helicopters, police cars and ambulances. Everyone loves the monster truck from Anytime Autoglass.”
Richardson said the purpose of the event is to familiarize children with emergency personnel and vehicles in a non-emergency situation, which hopefully will help them feel more comfortable in case of an emergency.
“We hope parents take this opportunity to discuss the roles of these community helpers with their children when they are visiting these vehicles,” she said. “We also want to bring awareness to car, car seat and bicycle safety.”
Richardson said while the event is organized with young children in mind, everyone is welcome.
“The event is geared toward children from birth to 5 and their families, as that is the age group that Parents as Teachers serves. With that being said, Things That Go is open to the public and we welcome children and adults of all ages,” she said.
Richardson said the event will also include multiple giveaways, including a set of Magic House tickets, books and bicycle helmets from the Jefferson County Health Department. The helmet giveaway is for children up to 14 years old and will start at 10 a.m. and continue until the supply is depleted.
Richardson said eventgoers can expect two new experiences this year.
“This year the Jefferson County Health Department will not only be bringing free helmets but will be bringing the bike rodeo as well,” she said. “We will have a few bikes at the event, but we encourage families to bring their child’s bike to practice bike safety in a simulated and safe environment. We will also have a car safety simulation.”
Richardson said parents should plan to arrive at the event by 10 a.m. to be able to see everything. “It will take you the full two hours to see and experience everything,” she said.
Richardson said Kade’s Playground and the Bay of Naples Splash Zone in the park will be open during the event, and she encourages parents to bring a change of clothes and a towel for their children. She said parents may also want to bring water, snacks and noise-canceling headphones if their child is sensitive to loud noises.
Richardson said Joachim Avenue in front of the park will be closed during the event, but people may pull in the first entrance closest to Hwy 61-67 and park in the field. Attendees may also get to the park using Scenic Drive, which is the next street north of Joachim Avenue when driving on Hwy 61-67, and then they may park in the lots by Kade’s playground and the ballfields.
For more information, call 636-933-0792.