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Date: 7/19/2022
SOUTH HADLEY – The Friends of Buttery Brook Park and the South Hadley Recreation Department are hosting their Big Rig Day on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Buttery Brook Park on 123 Willimansett St.
Big Rig Day is a long standing event which was suspended due to COVID-19, but returned last year. It offers a chance for town departments like the Fire Department, the Water Department, Department of Public Works or even private businesses to show off their trucks. There will be big rigs of all types including police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, utility trucks, big tow trucks, ladder trucks and much more. There will also be other groups attending including a face painter.
“After having been off because of COVID [-19], last year was such a success,” said Andy Rogers, South Hadley recreation director. “We had about 500 people. Our parking lot was full, and people were having to wait to get in the park. It was really great. We’re hoping to get the same amount of people this year. It’s an opportunity for all these different groups that will be there to show off what they have.”
This unique, free, kid-friendly activity is co-sponsored by the South Hadley Electric Light Department, Friends of Buttery Brook Park, the South Hadley Recreation Department and All Star Dairy. The Friends of Buttery Brook Park is a 501(c)(3) that is organized to support the park. For years, the Friends have put on cruise nights and Santa’s Land. They assist the town’s Recreation Department with other events such as Big Rig Day and projects such as the new pickleball courts, which they combined efforts with the Friends of the Seniors and the Recreation Department.
“People like to find fun family activities just to get out,” Rogers said. “Whether it’s a child with a grandparent or a child with their parents it’s a chance to have a nice fun-filled day and experience something different.” Rogers also said they’ve made some changes, moving many of the rigs deeper into the park so they can increase parking capacity and get participants and visitors more to the shade.
“We’re hoping with the new layout for where we’re putting everybody that this year’s Big Rig Day will be more entertaining for people,” Rogers added. “There’ll be some shade and more access to parking to make the experience more enjoyable for folks that are there.”