Little Kids Hop Aboard Big Trucks at Chappaqua Library Gathering

The Chappaqua Library’s parking lot was filled with trucks of many sorts on Monday. Fire trucks, school buses and town vehicle abounded for the library’s Big Truck Day, with hundreds of attendees on hand.

The day was a family friendly one, as many of the pint-sized attendees, donned with red or pink plastic fire helmets, got to hop inside the trucks and honk their horns.

“It’s their dream to come and sit in the truck and pretend to be a fireman for the day,” said library Director Pam Thornton.

The library has held the event on an almost-annual basis since the 1990s, according to Joan Kuhn, who is the library’s program coordinator. She estimated about 500-600 people attended.

The trucks were accompanied by an array of organizations, including police, the Chappaqua and Millwood fire departments, the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps and New Castle's Department of Public Works.

The day was a draw for families, both locally and in the region.

Michelle Turenchalk, a Chappaqua mom, came with her sons Luke, 5, and Colin, 7. She noted that while they have had chances to go on fire trucks, this event was different because they could also go on vehicles like a bulldozer or ambulance.

“Especially being boys. They love stuff like that.”

Her sister, Noelle Roles of Wallingford, CT, brought her three kids: 11-year-old Julia, 10-year-old Robert and 7-year-old Jeremy. She said that “they really loved it” and also noted the choice of trucks.

Gloria Murray, Mount Kisco, brought her kids: 6-year-old Daniel, 4-year-old Michael and 6-month-old Allison. She said that “everyone couldn’t have been nicer” and that “it was very hands on and everyone was very patient with the kids.”

While patrons headed to the library after the day’s “parade,” or exiting of the trucks, some checked out truck-related children’s books.

Deanna McLean, a Chappaqua resident, came with her 3-year-old son Lachlan, and had several books with her while they were lounging on a sofa.

“We like the street sweeper a lot,” she said for herself and her son. “We visited it twice.”

Ivy Braun, Chappaqua, brought her 3-year-old, Dylan, with truck books in hand at library.

“I think it’s one of the best programs that the library has for the little guys,” she said.