Big Truck Night survives big weather

A close lightning caused the annual Big Truck Night Thursday evening at Hills­boro Elementary School to be cut short, but not by much.

“We made it to 7:20,” said Susie Kliewer, director of Marion County Parents as Teachers, the sponsoring organization.

“We invited people to either come into the building or go home,” she said. “Most of them went home, but we thought that was pretty good. We had some sprinkles, but it looked to me like it was a good turnout.”

Threatening skies may have lowered participation slightly, but Kliewer said she couldn’t be sure.

“We didn’t add up anything or count anything last night,” she said the next morning. “By the time we were finished cleaning up, we were ready to go home.”

Even before the 6 p.m. start, some activities were moved indoors, including the tricycle driving course, a favorite among the youngest children.

Kliewer said “a steady stream of people” visited the informational booths in the building with kids enjoying snacks and helium-filled ballons.

“I worked with a great bunch of people,” she said about the planning team. Becky Suderman took on much of the event planning this year.

“She did an excellent job,” Kliewer said. “And we appreciate all the people who brought their big trucks and hung with them. The people who bring the big trucks seem to enjoy sharing that.”