Big Truck Experience rolls into town with fun for all ages on September 20

By Clinton Courier | September 9, 2025 |

By Sherry Lucas

The Big Truck Experience pulled up to join the vehicular fun of Cruzin’ Clinton a few years back and has emerged as a key draw of the day, particularly with the younger set.

The free event, now in its fourth year, is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, on Monroe Street in Clinton’s historic Olde Towne. Trucks, tractors, service vehicles and heavy machinery are the stars of this free show, so if you ever wanted to check out the horns, sirens, gizmos and working features of such, here’s your chance.

“The Big Truck Experience has grown each year with more vehicle participants, and the attending crowd has grown each year,” said Main Street Clinton Committee Co-Chair Marsha Barham, who works with Committee Co-Chair Linda Vander Molen on the event.

“It is a big hit with children eight years old and younger, but adults of all ages love to be up close to the vehicles and sit in the seats,” Barham said. “We see these vehicles each day on the road or work sites, but they are quite large when you see them in person!”

A dozen Big Truck Experience participants are lined up for the event, and organizers are still waiting for a few first-time participants to join in the fun.

“I am amazed at the age of the crowd – how a young dad with a baby boy comes to the Big Truck Experience, and he has the small infant propped up, sitting in the seat of the 114th military vehicle,” Barham said. “The big trucks bring back so many memories for people. Millions of pictures are taken.”

“We must highlight the vehicle participants themselves, giving of their time on a day off to come participate,” she added. “They are very kind and fun with the kids.”

“This is a family-friendly, hands-on event that offers the opportunity for children to explore, climb and touch trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery and other equipment. Children get to meet the personnel who protect, serve and build our community. It’s a great learning experience when a child can touch these gigantic vehicles.”

Thrilling, too, when they can climb aboard and get a snapshot and a chat with operators, she says.

The first 125 children will receive their choice of a construction hat or vest, Main Street Clinton Assistant Director Ashley Hammack said.

The Big Truck Experience also includes a Hot Wheels Showdown, 11 a.m. to noon. Guests can bring their own Hot Wheels car or choose one onsite to enter the race. The winner of each race receives a gold car, and all participants are entered to win Hot Wheels prizes, including track sets and specialty cars. Prize winners will be drawn periodically throughout the races.