FARMINGTON — Children and families are invited to explore a variety of working trucks on Make a Difference Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Farmington Fairgrounds’ High Street parking lot.

The Truck Demo for Kids! is a free opportunity for youngsters to explore these trucks along with some other hands-on activities.

This first event sponsored by the Mallett School EarlyAct Club and Farmington Rotary is an initial event for the club comprising members from kindergarten through grade three. 

Based on Farmington Rotary’s youth programs, including Interact for high-school-age students and a Rotaract club at the University of Maine at Farmington, the program was put together by Rotarians Al Feather, Becky Davis Allen and Buzz Davis, who have worked with the Mallett School youngsters to start them on a path of civic engagement, said Lisa Laflin for the Farmington Rotary.

The club started last year by exploring student interests. A survey of students revealed an awareness of needs in the community. An animal show with proceeds to benefit the Franklin County Animal Shelter was one idea raised and it’s being planned, she said.

Unlike other clubs where activities are planned for the members, the students involved in the Rotary youth groups, from ages 5 to 22, are inspired to come up with their own ideas for fellowship and service. The club has taken off at the Mallett School.

“They see needs that we don’t see,” Feather said of the youngsters who are learning to respond to community needs early.

Saturday’s event provides an opportunity for families to spend time together while viewing the trucks. It will be the first chance for the EarlyAct students to see “the fruit of their labor,” Laflin said. A successful day can also help raise their confidence for planning other activities.

The students meet at lunch time on Tuesdays. They spent this past Tuesday making posters to announce the event, Feather said. The Fire Department, Public Works Department and businesses such as Coca-Cola, Hammond Lumber and Webber Oil will bring their trucks to promote education about vehicles seen on local roads. 

The Truck Demo will be held rain or shine and families are reminded to bring cameras for those family shots with the “big rigs.”

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