Missaukee County Farm Bureau ushered in the New Normal with a Touch-a-Truck event June 19 in Lake City.
Organized largely by the Lake City Community MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers), the event was co-sponsored by several area ag organizations in the area such as Hughston Trucking, Star City IBA, Premium Farm Solutions and Bisballe Forest Products.
Youngsters in attendance climbed all over and sat inside an assortment of farm vehicles, enjoyed rides around the grounds and learned from each sponsoring businesses about how they help farmers farm.
“The adults had just as much fun as the children,” said Ellen Vanderwal, Missaukee County Farm Bureau supervolunteer. “We had an old 1949 tractor my husband Frank owns, and his father's old wagon which Frank has redone.
“The wagon was used to feed and water turkeys when Frank was a child back in the 1950s. So many people there loved the old tractor and wagon — especially the elder people!”
The semi truck Hughstons use for hauling cattle was a big hit, with kids enjoying exploring the trailer’s upper deck. Each vehicle was enjoyed by all, including police cars, ambulances, a well-drilling truck and many more.
Back on the agricultural side of things, the county Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Education team used the event to also celebrate June is Dairy Month. Vanderwal earned a grant for funding always-popular ice cream treats and attendees of all ages went home with gift bags filled with dairy items.
“This was awesome to get outdoors and have an event that everyone could enjoy,” Vanderwal said. “It’s been a while since we have had an opportunity to put anything on. This was a good day and felt great!”