Photos: Kids Climb Trucks, Learn About Safety

More than 600 kids took the trip to Ridgewood's Van Neste Square to meet village workers and use their vehicles as a jungle gym.

Sponsored by Little Ivy Learning Center and The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the annual "Touch-a-Truck" event provides youngsters an opportunity to better understand the responsibilities of first responders and streets workers. Obstacle courses were set up for tots in driver's ed, and a "big wheel rodeo".

Thomas Cumby, of the Water Department, donated items out of his own pocket. FMBLA #47 fire union provided items as well.

"The event does two things – it's good for you, it's an opportunity for the children to come out and actually climb on the equipment," said Richard Bassler, of Little Ivy. "But even more important is  to have the kids climb on the equipment they get to spend time chatting with the folks that operate the trucks. You learn about safety."