DARIEN, Conn. Excavators, tractors, fire engines, race cars and other larger-than-life vehicles will descend on Darien Town Hall on Sunday, Oct. 2, for Opus for Person-to-Person's ninth annual Big Rig Gig.
Fundraising for the event has kicked off at a record pace, with more than $7,000 already raised in advance ticket sales and donations.
"Opus volunteers have worked diligently for the past several months to put a wonderful event together, which includes so many new attractions this year," said Betsy Wilson, Opus for Person-to-Person co-president. "The Big Rig Gig is an exciting and interactive event that families and the entire community can enjoy, while also helping to raise funding for Person-to-Person at the same time."
One of the big attractions this year will be the sleek blue and yellow racer Car 57, which took part in Paul Newman's last race and boasts multiple podium finishes at many prominent northeast tracks. There will be more than 20 other big rigs and cars that kids will be able to climb on, as well as a bouncy castle, raffles, scavenger hunts, face painting, music by the Bossy Frog Band and a chance for kids to ride the Roaming Railroad.
Money raised at the event helps Person-to-Person provide food and clothes to more than 22,400 Fairfield County residents in need. So far, donors have pledged more than 240 bags of groceries to Person-to-Person's Emergency Food Pantry. The Food Panty has seen a 37 percent increase in demand this year.
"During a challenging economic environment, everyone at Opus is incredibly grateful to both our new and loyal sponsors for lending their gracious support to making this year's Big Rig Gig a success," said Wilson.
Ring's End Lumber is the lead sponsor for the event for the third year in a row. Other local sponsors include Atlantic Residential Mortgage in Westport and Palmer's Market in Darien, as well as over a dozen other local businesses.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Hall. For tickets and to make donations, visit www.opus4p2p.org.
Are you attending the Big Rig Gig? Tell us in the comments below. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
