The New York Power Authority will hold its 7th annual Touch-a-Truck event at the Niagara Power Vista from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Dozens of vehicles from NYPA, the Department of Transportation, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, and other local organizations will be on display during the event.
“Our employees enjoy this opportunity to showcase the vehicles used to ensure the reliable generation and transmission of Niagara hydropower,” said NYPA SVP and Regional Manager Jairo Florez. “We hope it inspires young people to consider becoming the next generation of NYPA employees.”
Exhibitors at the event will teach guests about the vehicles, the day-to-day operations of their organizations, and offer safety advice — including free car seat safety checks performed by the North Tonawanda Police Department.
Additional exhibitors at the event include: Lewiston’s Upper Mountain Fire Company, the Niagara Falls Fire Department, the 914th Air Refueling Wing, and Electric Mayhem, a robotics group based at the Nichols School in Buffalo that will hold demonstrations during the event. The Power Authority’s robotics team will also be on site showcasing new technology and how it is redefining safety and efficiency in the utility industry.
The event will also feature United Materials’ vehicles Sarge and Pinky. Pinky, a concrete mixer truck that makes appearances at events across Western New York, raises awareness for breast cancer and honors survivors. A portion of the proceeds from every yard of concrete delivered by Pinky is donated to Susan G. Komen WNY, a leading breast cancer organization.
During Saturday’s event, in celebration of the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary and the upcoming World Canals Conference in Buffalo, the New York State Canals Corporation will display its fully functional model lock. Locks are used to lift and lower boats when there is an elevation change. There are 57 locks used on the state’s canal system, including 35 on the Erie Canal.
Visitors at the Niagara Power Vista are encouraged to explore its array of multimedia exhibits, including hands-on interactive technologies, large touch screens, and a virtual rollercoaster relating to the production of electricity, energy efficiency and the area’s history. The location also provides unique views from the observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara River Gorge.
The Power Vista is located at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston. Parking is free and will be available in the Power Vista parking lot and adjacent lots at Niagara University. The Niagara Power Vista is a stop on the Discover Niagara Shuttle’s Falls to the Fort route.