James Stephens was ready to move some earth sitting in the driver’s seat of a Sharpsburg backhoe.
The Pittsburgh youth had his hands on the wheel and the readiness of a public works foreman.
However, no work would be done June 12 as the heavy machinery was only for display in Kennedy Park.
It was part of a Touch-a-Truck lineup during Funnel Cake Friday presented by the Sharpsburg-Aspinwall Rotary Club and Sharpsburg Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vehicles included Sharpsburg police and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office SUVs, a Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services fire truck, a street sweeper and dump truck.
Borough firefighters, police and public works crews were on hand to help families and hand out plastic junior firefighter caps.
James, 7, said he had fun exploring the various trucks and equipment without having to put in a shift.
His mother, Yalonda Stephens of Pittsburgh’s North Shore neighborhood, also was delighted.
Stephens said she brought her family to visit her sister, Teona Hall, and other relatives living in Sharpsburg and take part in the event.
“I like it,” said Stephens, a mother of five. “I think it’s great that the kids get to explore the different trucks and vehicles. They’re having a good time. Everyone’s nice — great community.
“When you’ve got multiple kids, you’re always looking for something affordable. Kids want to do something every day. It’s nice some days I can just do something and (it) doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg. When we go out, it’s like a $200 day.”
Admission was free. Foods included funnel cakes, hot dogs, pierogies, desserts and drinks. Other activities included a 50-50 raffle and live music.
Sharpsburg social worker Mary Bauer helped coordinate the vehicles for the touch-a-truck portion of the event.
“I love to engage with the community and bring the community and law enforcement and first responders closer together,” Bauer said. “Just to make sure the community knows that we’re here to help and that we are friendly faces in case something does happen.
“They know who we are. They recognize us. Just to make us a better wholesome community-oriented community.”
Public works foreman Mark Marshall said he was happy to see everyone, including some of his workers’ families, out enjoying the day. The backhoe was the most popular piece of equipment.
“We love this stuff, man,” Marshall said. “How can you not love watching little kids smile crawling around on trucks. It brings you back to your childhood.”
The Rotary has made funnel cakes for many years, including for Guyasuta Days. This is the fifth year it partnered with the parks commission.
Giovanni Scolieri, incoming Rotary president, said the tradition will continue next year and possibly add new community partners.
“There’s a connection, a collaboration with various agencies,” he said. “It’s best to maximize the resources and individuals. It’s a fun item and tasty. It’s a fun food.
“Emotionally and spiritually, it’s healthy.”
Funnel Cake Fridays raised between $1,500 and $1,700 for the Rotary and its charitable efforts, according to Janine Adams, Rotary past president and current fundraising chair. She also is assistant governor of Rotary District 730.
Proceeds the first night, June 5, were dedicated to Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust. The remaining nights don’t have designated beneficiaries.
“What ever the community needs, we help,” Adams said. “People wait for Funnel Cake Fridays. The community loves to come here.”
Commission President Mallory Helbling commended Bauer for her efforts and was happy the weather held out.
“It was a great turnout,” she said. “Lots of families. Lots of people came this week and last week. … We are highlighting Pride (on June 19) and the following week highlighting Juneteenth.”
The Juneteenth event was pushed to June 26 because of scheduling conflicts with some of the special guests.
There will be music, vendors, games and more to help mark the last Funnel Cake Friday of the season.
More information is available on the borough’s website at sharpsburgborough.com/calendar.