Up Close And Personal With Trucks, And More

By Larissa Lytwyn

Merryhill Child Care Center’s third annual fair, held recently on a gorgeous October day, featured its now legendary Touch-A-Truck exhibit and unique lottery game among craft tables and even a wildlife show.

“We had a fire engine, police car, dump truck, and cement truck this year,” said Marie Schumacher, whose husband, Vincent, owns and operates the cement truck. The Schumacher family was invited to participate by Touch-A-Truck organizer Veronica Jensen.

“The first year we had the fair there was an anthrax scare when some runners marked their route with chalk,” said Ms Jensen with a wry smile. “Last year it rained — hard. We had to close early at 1 pm.”

In contrast, she said, this year’s fair could not have happened on a more beautiful day.

“We’ve had a really good turnout,” said Merryhill staff member Cheri Ross. “More than ever.”

She mentioned the popularity of the fair’s two wildlife shows by regional animals expert Bill Robinson. “The kids — and adults — really loved it,” she said.

Jorge Londono said his wife worked at Merryhill Child Care Center. “We come every year,” he said. His daughters, 3-year-old Theresa and Chloe, loved exploring the vehicles in the Touch-A-Truck exhibit.

For the second consecutive year, fairgoers also had the opportunity to win cash prizes in a lottery game to remember. A cow was led to a special pasture marked, with white chalk, into a tic-tac-toe square. Patrons bet a $1 on which square the cow would deposit a “chip.” “We’ve had a lot of fun with it this year,” chuckled Ms Ross. “I think this year people are more familiar with how the game works, too. It’s great!”

All proceeds benefited the Merryhill Child Care Center, a day care center offering nursery school programs for children 6 weeks to 6 years old.