A pair of weekend events drew thousands to get hands-on looks at a variety of public safety, government and private sector vehicles and equipment.
Thursday night, the 10th-annual Habersham E-9-1-1 Children's Fun Fest drew some 6,800 people to the Habersham County Fairgrounds near Clarkesville for trunk or treat, safety demonstrations, a climbing wall, helicopters, an LP tank burn, hayrides, rollover simulator, Dunk a Hero dunking booth, and action by the Old School Wrestling Association.
On Saturday, Danielsville Police Department hosted its second-annual Touch a Truck at Madison County High School in Danielsville.
The event featured trucks and cars from Madison County's fire, emergency medical services, sheriff's and police communities, as well as service vehicles, tow trucks, and specialty vehicles.
Jennifer Davis and Jacob Richardson of Gainesville-based AirLife Georgia 2 give Adelyn Wellborn, Harper Nichols and Benjamin Stewart their first up-close experience with a helicopter during Habersham E-9-1-1's Children's Fun Fest at the Habersham County Fairgrounds near Clarkesville.
Clarkesville Police Officer Adam Ray mans the department's Mobile Ghost Containment Unit.
Visitors to the Children's Fun Fest make their way through smoke from the Clarkesville Police Department Mobile Ghost Containment Unit that makes its way to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources booth, where Ranger 1st Class Joe Hill and Ranger Beth Gilbert are handing out treats.
Tallulah Falls Police Chief Bill Goatcher and Officer Matt Nall pass out candy during the Children's Fun Fest.
Tallulah Falls Police Officer Matt Nall prepares to get wet again in the Dunk a Hero booth at the Children's Fun Fest.
David Church and Stephanie Walker of the Habersham County School System Transportation Department show families a school bus while talking to adults about becoming school bus drivers.
Children get information and candy from the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Division during Children's Fun Fest.
Brenna and Brylee Coffee of Cornelia prepare to visit the 10th-annual Habersham E-9-1-1 Children's Fun Fest.
Families check out the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division's newest helicopter, complete with a collapsible bucket for dipping water from a lake for firefighting.
Families line up for a look at a Georgia State Patrol helicopter during Children's Fun Fest.
Samantha Whitener tries out the seat of a Georgia State Patrol helicopter as Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell grins.
Firefighters from Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto assist Cornelia Fire Department with fire safety demonstrations during Children's Fun Fest.
Trucks from Georgia Forestry Commission, Tallulah Falls Fire Department and Demorest Fire Department draw visits from families outside the pavilion.
Aubree Coley is ready for any emergency in her medical costume.
A Colbert Fire Department engine and a Madison County ambulance attract families at the second-annual Touch a Truck in Danielsville Saturday.
Sparky the Fire Dog visits with children at Touch a Truck.
A Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department firefighter climbs the department's ladder truck during Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
The Madison County Coroner's Office opens its transport vehicle as part of Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
The University of Georgia Police Department shows off its bomb response robot and truck during Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
Children get a chance to sit in the driver's seat of an Athens Transit bush during Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
Trucks from Barrett, Matthew James and Seymour's towing companies are lined up to allow children to check them out during Touch a Truck. Also present was Madison County Towing.
Children at Touch a Truck get to feel what it's like to drive a fire engine at a risk reduction simulator provided by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Municipal Association.
Gainesville-based AirLife Georgia 2 takes off from Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
A variety of farm tractors and heavy equipment is displayed for visitors to Touch a Truck.
A Comer Police Department patrol car is illuminated to slow traffic passing through Touch a Truck.
Collins District Volunteer Fire Department is one of many departments placing its apparatus on display at Touch a Truck in Danielsville.
A young future firefighter walks in front of trucks displayed by Harrison Volunteer Fire Department during Touch a Truck.
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office shows off its Beat the Heat Corvette during Touch a Truck in Danielsville. The program is designed to show young drivers the dangers of street racing, encouraging them rather to go to a sanctioned track with proper supervision and safety personnel.
Danielsville Volunteer Fire Department Engine 1 heads out with lights and siren activated.
Firefighters from Neese Sanford Volunteer Fire Department serve up cotton candy during Touch a Truck.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/10/461142/weekend-events-offer-look-at-public-safety-equipment