— by Cara Russell —
Kids — and adult kids too! — got up close, explored, learned about, and enjoyed big trucks, small trucks, tractors, and other unique Orcas Island vehicles at Orcas Family Health Center’s (OFHC) fourth annual Truck-A-Palooza at the Eastsound Airport last Saturday, May 31. Donations raised from the event go to help OFHC to continue to provide healthcare to all patients, regardless of their income.
OFHC staff grilled hot dogs and hamburgers; at $5 a meal, OFHC made $520 in selling burgers and hotdogs. Food and supplies were donated by The Lower Tavern, Island Market, Kaleidoscope, Portofino’s, and The Village Stop.
Members of the community demonstrated their vehicles and explained how they work. There were police cars from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department. One small boy said, “You got to see all of the stuff that the policemen get to use!” There were vehicles and apparatus from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue for the visitors to climb inside and try on the firefighter gear, honk the horns, and man the firefighting stations. There were really big trucks, used for hauling really big stuff, and old classic cars whose paint job shone in the morning sun.
The Fire Department won the bus pull challenge.
It was also Young Eagles Day, so quite a few kids got to go up in aircraft, and some got to take a ride with OFHC’s Dr. Dave Shinstrom in his plane.
About 146 guests showed up for the fundraiser; OFHC earned an additional $880 in donations for entry to the event.
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