Even setting up for Touch-A-Truck event in Kiski Township showcases the fun
Touch A Truck Kiski Township
The inaugural family events continues through 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8,2018 at River Road Auto Sales.
While some people on Saturday clicked on big screen TVs to watch college football clashes, grabbed a good novel, Tweeted the latest buzz, or hit the “like” button on Facebook, others were setting their sights on the first Touch-A-Truck event in Kiski Township.
Liquid sunshine was causing some groups across the Alle-Kiski Valley to cancel their events, just like the youth football game at Flyers Field in Lower Burrell, it was all systems go for Touch-A-Truck.
As more police cars, emergency vehicles and numerous construction vehicles arrived at 2 p.m., it was clear rain wouldn’t slow down Touch-A-Truck scheduled for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Road Auto Sales.
After all, the intermittent showers were supposed to give way to only a 20 percent chance of rain later Saturday afternoon, according to Officer Ashley Polka.
“It’s a free family event except for any food bought, ” Kiski Township police Sgt. Christian A. Disciscio said as patrol cars and SUVs were directed to one part of the parking lot at the car dealership.
The police department sponsored the family friendly event.
Landscaping and other work trucks, many complete with trailers and equipment, were directed to their part of what planners hoped would form a U-shaped display awaiting spectators. Soon to arrive were fire truck, among them an engine from the Apollo Fire Department about 2 miles away, said deejay Nathan Duchene, an officer with the department.
Meanwhile, sizzling grills and an unmistakable, flavorful barbecue ingredients quaffed into the light wind.
More than a dozen other food trucks were scheduled to attend, planners said.
“I know it’s raining, but we’re (still) having the first annual Touch-A-Truck,” said Rich Stephens, a part-time officer and the resource officer at Apollo Ridge High School. “It’s for the whole family.”
A ball toss game was set up in under a tent to benefit the Apollo-Ridge track and field team.
“We’re trying to get a cross country team started, too,” said Shannon Sproat, whose son is a pole vaulter who also throws the javelin.
There was a dunk tank and a big inflatable slide for the kids.
”Unfortunately,” Stephens said with a smile, “I will be sitting the tank’s seat on a cool day.”
Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chuck at 724-226-4711, cbiedka@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ChuckBiedka.
