Touch A Truck, East Lyme, CT

East Lyme Touch a Truck Just Keeps Getting Bigger and Better
by June Hoye

For East Lyme Touch A Truck 2022, in addition to TRUCKS of every description, the Thames West Child and Family Auxiliary has also arranged for several new features.
To celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 21, we will have vehicles from the Connecticut Army National Guard, US Submarine Base, and US Coast Guard. Come out to honor those who have been willing to sacrifice so much for our safety.

We also will have a contingent of Law Enforcement vehicles with the Connecticut State Police and East Lyme, Waterford, and New London Police. Roaming Railroad will also be on hand to delight both children and adults with rides around the park for an additional charge.

Of special note is the Shuttle Parking that will be provided by two LAZ Fly Airport shuttles. Patrons will be able to park at Niantic Center School and next door at Telaid, where the combined lots can hold over 100 cars. Then, participants will be driven, free of charge, to McCook‘s. A big thank you to LAZ, Telaid, and Niantic Center School for this stress-free parking arrangement.

LIFE STAR will also be making a special appearance. Children and their families will be able to see LIFE STAR land and then TAKE OFF as well as to meet the crew, learn about the LIFE STAR mission, and explore the helicopter equipped as a tertiary care facility. Check the Facebook page Touch A Truck East Lyme, CT for the landing time.
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for families to see LIFE STAR up close and personal!

Finally, for the third year, the Auxiliary is adding a Food Truck Festival to delight the hungry children and parents. Five fabulous Food Trucks will be on site. People will have the chance to eat under the Pavilion at McCook Park, while enjoying the spectacular view of the Boardwalk and Bay.

The Munchies Food Truck will be manned by personable Aiman Saad and his wife, Manal. Munchies specializes in both American and Mediterranean fare. The Saad’s burgers are made from fresh ground Black Angus beef, done old school diner style, like a smash burger. They also will be serving, fried chicken sandwiches, which are marinated and hand breaded to order, cheesesteaks, and fries. However, his Mediterranean dishes of Stuffed Pita Wraps, Garlic Lemon Chicken Skewers, and Falafel Stuffed Pita are not to be missed. For those who desire a lighter fare, he will be serving Hummus and Pita and Mediterranean Tossed Salad. As his web-site states, “Munchies is a plural noun meaning the uncontrollable desire to eat”.

The Rolling Tomato Food Truck based in Groton, will be specializing in wood fired pizza. Mathew Burnside will be creating both Red and White Pies with clever names honoring family, friends, and favorite entertainers. As a sampling of what they create, one can order an “Old Blue Eye”, a “Ms. Bella”, or a “Crazy Joey”. As their motto says, they are “Fired up, to fuel you up, with some awesome food”.

New this year will be Tacos Flores, from Guilford. Jordan Flores, owner of this special truck, will be offering the following Taco array: Pescado-Beer Battered Cod, Carne Asada-Marinated Steak, Chorizo-Spiced Pork Sausage, and Vegetal-Sweet Potato and Cauliflower. Who could resist ending with a dessert of Churros?

Last but not least is Curb Your Appetite. Owner, Lisa Swanson will be offering “Comfort Food”. She will be serving Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Rice Bowls, and Fries with special Toppings. For Desserts she has Ice Cream from Ashley’s, Fried dough, Fried Oreos, and Root beer Floats. Come for some “Home Cooking away from home.”

You will then be able to finish any of these delicious lunches with ice cream from Mike Powers and his Flavor King Truck or with the incomparable Kettle Corn made by the East Lyme –Niantic Lions Club. Come early and stay for Lunch; you won’t be disappointed.
Touch A Truck keeps getting Bigger and Better!

This Thirteenth Touch-A-Truck, co-sponsored by the Thames West Auxiliary of Child and Family Agency and the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Department, will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCook Point Park in Niantic. There will be a Horn Free Hour from 9 to 10 a.m. especially for the younger set and for noise-sensitive children.

The requested donation is $5 per person. Children under age two are admitted free of charge. Proceeds benefit the work of Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT as it annually meets the needs of over seven thousand children, families, and adults in our communities.

Additional information can be found on the Agency’s website, www.childandfamilyagency.org; on Facebook- Touch a Truck East Lyme, CT; or by calling Child and Family-860-437-4550, est. 1406.