Sep. 10—Children and adults will once again be able to get up close and personal with vehicles from area fire departments, law enforcement and the Willoughby Hills Service Department at the city's annual Touch-a-Truck.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, 35405 Chardon Road.

"We are expecting a great variety of vehicles," said Mayor Andy Gardner. "In addition to the many vehicles on display, there will also be food, games provided by the Recreation Commission, a medical helicopter, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and a demonstration by the fire department of how a victim is extricated from a damaged vehicle following an incident."

The event was brought back from a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic. Fire Chief Robert Gandee previously reported that Touch-a-Truck not only allows the public to view safety and service vehicles, but to see where their tax dollars or donations go and have a better understanding.

A part of police and fire departments and other service agencies receiving community support, is seeing what's being supported, Gandee said.

"People will look at this equipment and say, 'I never realized you had to take care of all this,' " he said. "That's what being in emergency services and public safety is all about. It's being ready for an array of situations you may encounter."

To those who may be planning to play pickleball or use Campbell Park on the morning of Touch-a-Truck, the mayor is encouraging them to park in the Eddy Road parking lot.

"There will be no traffic allowed through the main driveway during the Touch-a-Truck event," he said.