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Date: 8/18/2020
EASTHAMPTON – Local resident Scott Start will host a truck parade on Aug. 23. It will start at 10 a.m. and will finish when they are done with their route.
Start said the route information would be shared a week before the parade on the Easthampton Facebook page due to any possible last minute changes.
He decided to host this parade because of the Big Rig Day being cancelled due to COVID-19 because participants, specifically kids would not be able to touch the trucks.
“We’re all kids at heart. We remember giving truck drivers the arm pump and it gives us a smile seeing kids give us the arm pump. Anything for the kids, we try to do,” said Start.
Big Rig Day was started in 2000 by Jim Brown for his two grandsons, Camerin who was 5 years old and Tyler who was 4 years old. Brown also drove trucks for 24 years.
Start shared that he went to Brown and asked him if a parade would be worthwhile. After thinking about it, he told him to go for it. Start said that he received tremendous help from Brown. He noted Brown has given him guidance and help with the whole parade. Brown helped to plan the route and try to get an area where they can stage their trucks. Start said he can’t thank him enough for what he did with Big Rig Day and receiving help from him was a big benefit.
A total of about 30 trucks are expected to participate. Residents can expect to see tractor trailers with no trailer, dump trucks and tow trucks. Start said for anyone that wants to view the parade, all they have to do is step outside of their homes. He does ask that everyone wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
“This is new and we don’t want anyone getting sick,” said Start.
The parade will begin down Main Street to Northampton Street and will include O'Neil Street, Pleasant Street, Union Street, Cottage Street, Maple Street, Franklin Street, Everett Street, Parsons Street, East Street, Clark Street, Holyoke Street, Hendrick Street, Plain Street, Line Street and Park Street. The parade will end at the Emily Williston Memorial Library.
The event will take place rain or shine.