Kids of all ages, meet the machines

Truck-loving and firefighter-aspiring kids will be in heaven Saturday if they visit the Lake City High School parking lot.

The school’s French club is hosting a fundraising event called Meet the Machines, where local service departments will bring tractors, police squad cars, a SWAT response vehicle, fire trucks, tow trucks and more.

Kids with their families will be able to explore and engage with various service vehicles parked throughout the lot. James Maurer, the LCHS French teacher coordinating the event, had seen events similar to Meet the Machines in Boise and Spokane.

When asked what inspired him to bring it to Coeur d’Alene, Maurer laughed and said, “My kid. He’s 2 years old and loves trucks and machinery of all kinds.”

Officers and operators will be present to show kids how the vehicles work.

“I think it’s awesome for city police, state police, the fire department, and other emergency personnel to be able to interact with kids in a safe environment, and to see community resources come together,” Maurer said.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for children ages pre-K to fifth grade, $5 for middle school-age kids to adults, and $15 for families.

The LCHS French club does fundraising throughout the school year to support cultural days and activities. Maurer said one time it brought in a French cook to serve authentic French food for the students. If enough money is raised this time, however, the students hope to start a scholarship for graduating seniors.