Sounds of horns and sirens filled Central Park in Saugus Saturday for the third annual Touch a Truck event hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.

Children of all ages were able to get up-close and climb into over 30 vehicles including construction rigs, fire engines and sheriff’s cars.

“Kids, and dads, love the opportunity… It’s a unique moment for them and everybody just seems to love it,” said Linda Alexander-Lieblang, the Associate Executive Director at SCV Senior Center.

“Kids love vehicles,” said Mayor Marsha McLean, who was once again serving as the event chair, “(they are) able to touch their favorite things on wheels.”

Touch a Truck tries to get different vehicles every year according to Alexander-Lieblang.

“I like to see the look on my little boy’s face when he sees these big trucks. (His favorite) is the trash trucks,” said Sterling King who was attending the event with his son. “He loves to run around and see them pick up trash. … He’ll run down the street to watch them with mom running after him.”

“It’s a good opportunity for (the kids) to see things that they wouldn’t otherwise see,” said King.

All proceeds benefitted the SCV Senior Center, which offers such programs as Home Delivered Meals, Senior Respite Day Care and Care Management to local seniors, according to Alexander-Lieblang.

“This is an opportunity for the community to get to know (the SCV Senior Center). We hope this event raises awareness,” said Alexander-Lieblang.

Photo: Kenneth Wilson

Photo by Tarana Sherzada