Asheville – Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) hosted the annual Truck City AVL event at Tanger Outlets Asheville on April 12, showcasing a variety of vehicles crucial to the city’s operations and recovery efforts. The event, which ran from 1-4 pm, provided families with an opportunity to explore and learn about the vehicles that play a vital role in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
The event featured over 40 vehicles from various city departments, including police, fire, public works, and sanitation. Attendees could sit in and interact with vehicles such as patrol cars, excavators, and even a bearcat. D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director, expressed excitement about the event’s return, stating, “Truck City AVL is always a great time as we ‘pull back the curtain’ for community members to get an up close look at these fascinating machines.”
A quiet hour was scheduled from 1-2 pm to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, ensuring a positive experience for all attendees. The event also included activities in the Rec n Roll Mobile Play Zone, where children could engage in truck-themed games and a kids’ driving course.
Christo Bubenik, Communications Manager for APR, highlighted the evolution of the event over the years. “One of the beautiful aspects of the event is its constant evolution. No two years feature the same vehicles,” he noted. This year’s lineup included unique vehicles like Asheville Jeep Tours’ custom Jeep and Appalachian State University’s Geobago.
Vehicles’ Role in Hurricane Helene Recovery
The showcased vehicles were not only a source of entertainment but also played a critical role during the recovery from Hurricane Helene. Bubenik elaborated on their importance, stating, “Mobilizing the fleet quickly to clear roads, restore infrastructure, and ensure public safety was critical to our community.”
Specific vehicles such as the Side Loader ensured waste collection services resumed promptly, while the Knuckle Boom was used to remove fallen trees from streets. The CAT Excavator assisted in clearing landslides and repairing drainage systems, demonstrating how essential these machines were in restoring normalcy to Asheville.
Feedback from previous attendees indicated that both children and adults appreciated the educational aspects of the event. Bubenik remarked, “Kids and adults both enjoy the expertise and knowledge that drivers and vehicle operators are able to showcase.” The event has previously featured a range of vehicles, including electric models and even a helicopter from HCA Mission’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift.
Asheville Parks & Recreation plans to integrate lessons learned from this year’s event into future community engagement initiatives. Bubenik acknowledged the ongoing evaluation process, stating, “Asheville Parks & Recreation continually evaluates events and programs so they can best meet the current needs of our friends and neighbors.”
The Truck City AVL event not only celebrated the vehicles that keep Asheville running but also served as a reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of challenges. With its focus on education and engagement, it reinforced the importance of public safety and infrastructure in everyday life.
Tanger Outlets Asheville provided an ideal location for this community gathering, situated at 800 Brevard Road. The event took place rain or shine in the back parking lot near the food court entrance, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
As Asheville continues to recover from recent challenges, events like Truck City AVL play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and pride while educating residents about the vital services that keep their city functioning smoothly.