Touch-A-Truck event set Saturday in GHS parking lot

Local children are invited to "Rev Up Your Imagination" for the Friends of the Putnam County Public Library's fourth annual Touch-A-Truck event.

Touch a Truck will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 at the Greencastle High School lower parking lot.

Name a child, or adult for that matter, who wouldn't love to climb aboard a fire truck, race car, big rig, dump truck or backhoe. Touch-A-Truck provides a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types -- public service, emergency, utility, construction and transportation -- all in one place.

Children will be allowed to touch, climb on and ask questions about their favorite vehicles in a safe, supervised environment. Accompanying personnel will teach the children about the equipment displayed and how these machines help us and our community.

"Not only is this a great way to support the Imagination Library program, which will cost $20,000 to run this year, but is truly shows off what our community is about -- the unsung, everyday heroes, that help run our community each and everyday," event organizer Cathryn Ensley said.

The event is $5 a person or $15 for a family of four.

"When we began planning this fundraiser four years ago, we decided to always host the event the Saturday before Father's Day, that way families have a fun, and affordable way to spend some quality time together, and support Imagination Library," Ensley said.

All money raised will support Imagination Library in Putnam County. Tickets for the event will be for sale the day of the event. To purchase tickets in advance, contact (765) 720-7610 or visit the Putnam County Public Library.

Additionally, several prizes will be raffled.

Another addition to this year's event is the sale of the ever-popular Legion Burgers by Greencastle American Legion Post 58, with half of the proceeds benefiting Imagination Library of Putnam County.

Participating in this year's event are Putnam County ABATE and the Children's Motorcycle Adventure, AREA 30, the Baker Family, Baker's Septic Service, Boller Racing, Cedar View Farms, Co-Alliance, Crown Equipment, FA Wilhelm, First National Bank, Greencastle American Legion Post 58, Greencastle Community School Corporation, Greencastle Department of Public Works, Greencastle Elks Lodge 1077, Greencastle Fire Department, Greencastle Police Department, Hendricks Power Cooperative, INDOT, Indiana State Police, Jerry's Wrecker Service, JTN Services Inc./Newgent Racing, Laura Kopetsky Tri-ax, Pingleton Sawmill, Putnam County Highway Department, Putnam County Operation Life, Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Republic Services, UPS, Wal-Mart, the Eric York family and others.

Anyone interested in bringing a vehicle to this year's Touch-A-Truck event, should contact 720-7610.

Imagination Library was started by country signer Dolly Parton and is a program that provides a new and free, age-appropriate book every month to each child enrolled in the program.

A sample of book titles that have recently been sent to local Putnam County children include Llama Llama Red Pajama, The Little Engine That Could, Ferdinand and Corduroy. Any Putnam County child up to five years may sign up for the program.

For more information about Imagination Library in Putnam County please visit the Putnam County Public Library. Currently, about 800 Putnam County children are enrolled in Imagination Library and are receiving a free book each month.

The Friends of the Putnam County Public Library, is sponsoring the Touch-A-Truck event. The group's mission is to promote literacy, the love of reading, and the freedom to read by supporting the Library with money, moral support, programs, and volunteer service. The Friends of the Library currently support the following programs: reading programs, Halloween free book program, Imagination Library, events and speakers, promotional items and staff development.