HANOVER, Ont. — Area kids are invited to get up close to a selection of trucks during the first annual Touch a Truck for Youth Literacy event June 16 in Hanover, Ont.

The event, put on by the South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council, will see an assortment of trucks of various sizes (including the new Cat CT660) put on display with visitors able take a close look and actually touch the trucks.

An 18-hour event for teenagers will run concurrently, with participants divided into teams and a team member required to maintain contact with an 18-wheeler for the duration of the competition.

Maggie Cullen, project manager, Touch a Truck for Yout Literacy, says the event will be a thrill for kids who in many cases have never had the chance to see a big truck up close, while also raising awareness about youth literacy.

Food and refreshments will be available and information on skilled trades, transportation career options and the role women play in the industry will be highlighted.

“It is going to be such an amazing event and we are very excited about it,” Cullen told Trucknews.com.

Raffles will be held to raise funds and craft stations will be set up to entertain the kids. Visitors can also have their picture taken with Mater, of Cars fame.

The Touch a Truck For Youth Literacy event will be held at the P&H Centre outdoor lot in Hanover on June 16 from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Admission is free for kids and $5 for adults.

For more info, call 519-364-0008.