It was a child’s dream walking into the Charlottetown Event Grounds this weekend.
A large crowd was on hand for the fourth P.E.I. Trucker’s Big Rig Show and Shine held at the site.
Many of this year’s attendees were families with young children, who were eager to get an up-close look at the giant versions of their toys.
“Kids love trucks,” said event organizer Kirk Lea. “Even today, you always see kids pumping their arms to get the air horn blowing. Kids love it.”
This year saw Jesse and Mallory Waye, of Milton, bring their enthusiastic son Bradley, 2, to the event for the second time.
“He loves big trucks,” said Jesse. “He’s pretty excited.”
This year’s event saw about 40 different trucks lined up on the event grounds.
Event-goers were also able to interact with the trucks.
Easton Veld, 22-months-old, was one of those in attendance who enjoyed climbing on truck steps and marveling at the size of the rigs.
“He’s obsessed with trucks,” said his mother Gillian Veld of Charlottetown.
Last year’s event saw roughly 85 trucks.
Lea said having fewer trucks this year was a result of timing.
“Some people didn’t make it from over across,” he said. “Everybody’s busy. It’s the life of a trucker. You never know where you’re going to be from day to day.”
Prior to the event, the Charlottetown Event Grounds was being used as a temporary gravel pit.
Lea said he was happy the events grounds could be cleared for the event.
“Three days ago, it really didn’t look promising with the pile of gravel here but (they) lived up to their promise, they got it cleaned and fixed up as best they could for us and we’re pleased with what we have,” said Lea.
The event concluded with a truck parade to Victoria Park and up University Avenue.
Proceeds from the event will go to the IWK Children’s Hospital Foundation.
