Dunedin children with special needs spent a phenomenal day as lords of the road, thanks to the generosity of local truckies.
Special Rigs for Special Kids founder and organiser Greg Inch said yesterday’s event had been a success.
It had been three years since it was last held but 220 trucks had turned up, along with close to 200 children and their families.
There had been a lot of happy people at the event, and drivers had come from as far afield as Central Otago, Southland and Christchurch to take part.
The drive left from the Edgar Centre to Kaikorai Valley Rd via Corstorphine, over Three Mile Hill Rd, through Mosgiel, Green Island and back again through Corstorphine.
"For a lot of these kids it’s bigger than Christmas," Mr Inch said.
The children had been buzzing in the positive and supportive environment, and their energy had rubbed off on the drivers, who had really enjoyed seeing the children and families get so much out of it, he said.
Huge numbers of spectators had also turned out to watch and cheer the procession on its way.
The event was a great day for Dunedin’s community, Mr Inch said.
"A lot of people say to me, you just can’t beat the smiles on the kids’ and the drivers’ faces as they drive around — its a great occasion," he said.
Mother Grace Curwood said the last two months had been spent counting down the days until yesterday’s event, which they were pleased to have up and running again after years of cancellations.
"Its just an amazing day ... they can be themselves," she said.
Her son Phoenix Curwood (11) said he was excited for the event, and that the best parts were the trucks and the barbecue which took place afterwards.
Dunedin resident Angus Lloyd (12) was happy to be involved in the event and ride with father Adam Lloyd in a waste management truck.
It was his first time riding in the event after he and his father moved to Dunedin from Melbourne last year.
The most exciting thing was "to see all the kids enjoying themselves and having a good time", he said.
Mr Lloyd said his son had loved the event and could not stop using the truck’s horn.
"My ears are still ringing," he said.
