HOUGHTON - Grab the kids, camera and some cash and get ready to see some big trucks while supporting Dial Help.
The second annual Dial Help Big Truck Day is Saturday at the Copper Country Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is a chance to introduce kids to the big trucks that make the Copper Country go round including school buses, semis and large machinery.
"This is geared to families and young children to have fun, and it's something unique to this year," Dial Help Executive Director Rebecca Crane said. "We had a lot of fun last year. You could see and feel the excitement the kids had to be able to get so close and personal with the trucks."
Crane said many of the operators offered tours and answered all sorts of questions about the large machines at last year's event, which took place in Calumet.
"We had a new opportunity to come down to Houghton this year," Crane said. "The Copper Country Mall graciously donated the space, and we decided we wanted to offer it in a different location."
Unlike most events, here the adults get in for free; children are charged $5.
"This event is really geared towards children, so we're doing it a little different, but we're also limiting the amount they have to pay, so if someone has a lot of children, the most they'll pay is $20," Crane said.
Last year they raised $2,000 at the event, which Crane said was a major boost to the organization.
"It's really critical for us," Crane said. "A lot of the services we do with the youth in the area the demand exceeds the funding available, so any money we can raise will go directly into this program."
Aside from getting the chance to see big trucks up close, participants can also see McGruff the Crime Dog, eat cake, see juggling, unicycling and acrobatics and get their face painted.
For more information call Dial Help at 482-9077.
Michael H. Babcock can be reached at mbabcock@mininggazette.com.