Farragut Fleet fun for child ‘drivers’
Fire trucks, helicopters, squad cars and town of Farragut tractors drew hundreds of children and their families to town of Farragut’s 15th annual Fun with Farragut Fleet.
The free event, which took place at Mayor Bob Leonard Park Saturday, Aug. 13, offered an opportunity for children to climb on vehicles and equipment provided by town of Farragut Public Works, Rural Metro Inc., Knox County Sheriff’s Office, First Utility District and Moneymakers Wrecker Service.
“It’s a great event,” Kimberly Everett, a Farragut attendee, said. “This is probably our third or fourth year. We have a great time. It’s something [the children] never get to see.”
“[Caleb Floyd, 7, is] obsessed with trucks, so we’ve had [the event] on our calendar for a month or so,” Beth Floyd of Farragut said. “He plays with trucks all day, and he loves to see the trucks.”
“My husband [Wes Bradley] works for the town of Farragut, so we came to make sure Logan, [17 months], gets to see the things daddy gets to work with,” Kelly Bradley of Farragut said.
“It’s amazing,” Simon Smith, 10, of West Knoxville said. “I can’t believe they got this [event] together. It’s an amazing experience.”
Parents also could have identification kits made, compliments of His Security in Farragut. The kits included fingerprints and photos of children, Scott Brockamp, co-owner of His Security with partner, Doug Fraker, said.
“We easily have about 500 or more here,” Lauren Cox, Farragut Special Events and Program coordinator, said.
Mom’s Blog also provided snacks and some activities.
for children during the event.
Brockamp said parents get kits but don’t get around to having them completed.
“We do the fingerprinting, take the pictures and give them an ID card,” he said. “Parents just have to fill in the addresses and other information.”
Ryan McManamay of Knoxville said he learned about the event through a friend.
“[Luke McManamay, 3] loves equipment, so he’s in his prime right now,” Ryan said about his son.
“We came last year and we really enjoyed it, so we thought we’d come back this year,” Kara Allen, Lenoir City resident, said.
“They love the trucks,” Jaclyn Levy of Solway said about her sons, Ashton, 3, and Aaron, 21 months. “We watch the show, ‘Mighty Machines,’” so it’s fun to see the mighty machines in person.”
“It’s right up his alley,” Ashley Franklin of Lenoir City said about her son, Eli Franklin, 2. “He loves construction equipment and anything he can ride.”
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Brandon Stockwell of West Knoxville said about the event. “It has a lot of neat things for the kids to see, and they get to climb.
“It’s good for the kids to think about their future,” Brandon’s wife, Rebecca Stockwell, said.
“It’s a good awareness of service event, and it’s fun and free for the kids,” Amanda Martin of Knoxville said. “The fire truck is the kids’ favorite.”
“[The kids] like the lights and sirens,” David Martin, Knoxville, said.
