Sparta Theisen’s Touch-a-Truck event to memorialize 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

Event lets children and others get up close and personal with trucks

SPARTA, Wis. — Theisen’s annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, Sept. 11, will incorporate memorials to 9/11 victims to mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
The event is like those in several other cities and towns across the country to give folks — children in particular — a chance to inspect vehicles they might not get to see otherwise. They often feature law enforcement vehicles and firetrucks to let the children see that they shouldn’t be afraid of emergency vehicles.
For the Sparta event, Theisen’s asks people to bring vehicles, including tractors, trucks, cars, motorcycles, and city vehicles such as police, ambulances, fire equipment to check out, the company representative said.
One year, the event even featured a jet, a Zamboni and a cement truck, she said.
“This year, we are especially looking for first responders, veterans and medical staff to come and contribute to the memorial we are having,” she said.
A previous story erroneously reported that Touch-a-Truck was canceled last year because of COVID-19. It took place, with COVID precautions and handwashing stations throughout displays.
Vehicles will be set up from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, with the following schedule on the next day:

• 6-7 a.m. — Vehicles are set to arrive. Everyone should be set by 7:00 am
• 7 a.m. — Event will open to public
• 7-9 – Live Patriotic music provided by McPherson Guitars
• 7:40 — Opening comments and prayer
• 7:46 — Moment of silence (North Tower)
• 7:50 — Keynote speaker (between moments of silence)
• 8:03 — Moment of silence (South Tower)
• 8:37 — Moment of silence (Pentagon)
• 8:40 — Set up booths
• 9:03 — Moment of silence (Flight 93)
• 9:11 — Flag raising
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Brat sale provided by SACS (Sparta Area Cancer Support)
• 1 p.m. Vehicles to begin leaving.

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