GODFREY - The damp weather couldn't stop the Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department from hosting their beloved Big Truck Day.
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On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, kids and families filled Glazebrook Park for the annual event. Kids could climb on and explore ambulances, fire trucks, helicopters, construction equipment and other big trucks.
“We just try to make it bigger and better every year,” said Jordan Gintz, recreation supervisor. “You go home with a headache, but it’s totally worth it.”
From 10–11 a.m., the event featured a “quiet hour” without sirens, horns or flashing lights. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids could honk the horns and check out the sirens and lights on all of the vehicles.
Gintz credited Falisa Huniak, the Parks and Recreation Department’s administrative secretary, for reaching out to local businesses and departments to secure the trucks.
Gintz and Huniak agreed the event is a chance to engage local organizations like Illinois American Water, Ameren Illinois, and OSF St. Anthony’s, as well as an opportunity to invite families to the park.
“It not only gets the local businesses, but it also gets the kids out in the park and they get to do something different than coming out and just doing sports,” Gintz said. “They can come out and do this, have a picnic, go to the park. It gives them an opportunity and experience with different stuff that they might just see driving down the road.”
She noted that the event can also minimize fear around emergency vehicles. A child might be less scared to ride in an ambulance if they ever need one now that they have explored the vehicle at Big Truck Day.
The event is held on the first Wednesday of every May at Glazebrook Park. Huniak and Gintz encourage people to “put it on your calendar” and bring your kids to enjoy the experience.
“I just love this. I love seeing the kids. They’re so excited,” Huniak added. “It just makes me smile this whole time.”
For more information about Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Department, including their events and offerings, visit their official webpage or official Facebook page.
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