The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre is set to open for the 2019 season Saturday, May 18 with the return of the third annual Big Truck Meet Up.
The event is free for all visitors, and displays a collection of heavy equipment and emergency vehicles unique to the Sudbury region so that children can get up close and personal with big trucks and learn about the role they play in the community.
Last year, the museum made a splash by inviting Al Quiring, star of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV series “Highway Thru Hell,” to the event as a special guest.
This year, the event will feature a different kind of special guest, one with more of an intergalactic profile. Come check out the world’s first fan-built replica of Optimus Prime from Transformers: Age of Extinction.
"This truly custom truck is much more than just a paint job. From the Cybertronian letters to the eight-foot sword, to the custom artwork and graphics, the amount of the detail put into it far exceeds the detail seen on the original movie trucks, and truly helps bring the character of Optimus Prime to life," said a news release from the NORMHC.
"You really have to see this magnificent vehicle to believe it!"
Stop down for a chance to meet the owner of the truck and gain inspiration from his long and difficult journey.
Discover how Joe Fiduccia, an ordinary father who was willing to take that ultimate leap of faith, simply wanted to show his young son that even the most impossible dreams can come true with hard work and determination.
“The museum is really looking forward to welcoming Joe and his Optimus Prime replica to the Big Truck Meet Up,” said special events co-ordinator Cody Cacciotti.
“The museum prides itself on offering new, innovative exhibits for its visitors and this is an incredible opportunity to continue to grow the event as well as the museum itself.”
The event will also feature a number of local companies including Lacroix Construction, Pioneer Construction, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways, Convoy Construction, TPS Group, Northern Heat Treat, The City of Greater Sudbury, Northern Bus Lines and Cambrian College.
“The commitment from local businesses has been absolutely incredible,” said president Stu Thomas. “This event is impossible without companies willing to step up and showcase some of their equipment. So many local partners have been eager to get involved that we have had to close off some extra streets to make room. It’s a great problem to have.”
This year’s event will also incorporate a community safety element through a new partnership with Hydro One and the City of Greater Sudbury. Children will get to see a collection of road signs on display and also take away a custom community safety colouring book featuring the town of Capreol’s community mascot.
The event runs Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning Saturday, the museum is open seven days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.normhc.ca or email [email protected].
