Decayden Wilson was hoping to pet an animal or two, but the youngster did not go home disappointed.
“It’s amazing,” said the 10-year-old, who attended the Taylor Public Library’s Truck Petting Zoo March 16 with his great aunt, cousin and sister. “This is my second time at the library. I wanted to see a lion. That is my favorite animal because it’s the king of the jungle.”
Nevertheless, the surprising peal of a police siren made Decayden jump, the funny smells emanating from the garbage truck made him giggle, and he and his family members enjoyed receiving junior officer badges and temporary tattoos from both the Taylor Police Department and the Williamson County Sherrif’s Office.
However, as is the case every year for this event, Library Assistant Leah Norris said she had to inform visitors that no furry friends would be participating.
“I have had to tell people, ‘No animals,’” Norris said with a smile. “I said, ‘You just pet trucks. You go in them.’” And 136 people, young and old, flocked to the library’s parking lot to do just that.
“Kids are lining up to get on the school bus, as they do every day!” marveled Library Director Karen Ellis. “They have to show their parents and grandparents.”
Jurnii Wilson, 9, Decayden’s sister, said she enjoyed going up into the emergency vehicles.
“My favorite was the ambulance,” Jurnii said. “(But with) the fire truck, I liked that it had lots of buttons and stuff that connects to water.”
Other vehicles of interest included a tractor from Ewald Kubota and a shuttle from the Capital Area Rural Transportation System’s ride-on-demand service CARTS Now.
“We are grateful to our community partners for being a part of this and making kids more familiar with their services,” Ellis said.
Animals or no, Ellis said every year this is a worthwhile experience for families, and one that doesn’t cost the city a penny to put together.
“It’s free, free, free — my favorite price,” Ellis said with a laugh. “We have community folks and city departments represented. Some people give stuff away, and others don’t. But either way, the kids are excited.”
