Photos: A honking good time

The kids kept coming, but you didn't need to see it to notice it. What started as a few scattered horn blasts from big equipment at South Terrace Elementary school in Carlton last Thursday evening, May 9, soon crescendoed into one constant blast from a bus, semi, dump truck and various other vehicles at the annual Transportation Night.

Kids were taking turns on a makeshift swing on the back of a Cars Towing truck, with a toy tow truck and a flag as added bonuses. They climbed into the empty semi trailer provided by Magnum, running up and down inside the box. They toured an ambulance and fire truck from Carlton emergency services. They piled into the back of a Carlton County Sheriff's Office cruiser, with many a parent chirpingly saying it's the only time they want to see them there. They crawled all over all manner of dirt work equipment, large and small. Ulland Brothers handed out plastic construction hats.

Oh, and pizza. A steady line formed for $10 rounds from Streetcar Kitchen & Pub, part of a fundraising effort for the family of Cayden Ragsdale, son of Carlton kindergarten teacher Carrie Rice. Cayden is battling brain cancer for a second time.

It was a good crowd, Daisy Rose said. She's the community education director, and its early childhood program organizes the annual event. "We had record numbers in attendance this year, with well over 300 people," she said. Good weather and word of the pizza special brought people out, she said.

Rose said the tactile nature of the event makes it special. "It gives them an up-close experience with many exciting machines they might see every day, but don't get the chance to really explore."