newsminer.com

This could give a new meaning to the words “hard candy.”

The Fairbanks Community Truck Touch is set for today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Open Arms Child Development Center on Davis Road near Jillian Square.

One of the 30-or-so enticing cars and trucks on display is a cement mixer that is supposed to churn out candy.

The pieces are individually wrapped and the University Redi-Mix truck will be cleaned up so that the candy won’t be hardened by cement droppings, said Lenetta Colbert, director of the center.

Almost every child is fascinated by cars and trucks, which is why the child care center came up with this idea for a fundraiser. Admission is $10 per family and even if the weather is not ideal, the kids will have a good time.

Plus, it’s easy to get out of the weather and buy a hot dog or a hamburger to help the cause.

There will be door prizes and a play area for younger children.

The center has arranged for a tremendous fleet that will include everything from Model A’s, a fire truck and a police car to a dump truck and an ambulance.

There will be a few new trucks from Gene’s Chrysler, which is sponsoring the event along with the Daily News-Miner.

The kids will be invited to climb into some of the vehicles and check out the controls, something that is sure to have broad appeal.

“I think the dads are more excited about it than the kids,” Colbert said.

I can understand that.

Go see for yourself today at 10 a.m.

The center is at 2980 Davis Road next to the hall of Laborers Union Local 942.

The first 100 kids will receive a free hard hat, courtesy of the Fort Knox Mine.

The goal of this event is to raise money to help make child care scholarships at Open Arms available to families who can’t afford the fees.

Colbert said the center hopes to raise $10,000 “as we strive to remain a place for all children and their families.”

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EDNA WILDER: She is a Fairbanks artist who works with watercolors, soapstone, wood and words, among other things. She’s also a wonderful lady who never hesitates to give words of encouragement to others.

Edna Wilder’s latest accomplishment is “The Eskimo Girl and the Englishman,” which continues the story of Edna’s mother and father, Minnie and Sam.

“The grit and determination of Sam and Minnie are reflected in the success of their daughter in overcoming the obstacles in her own life,” Bill Stroecker writes in his foreword to Edna’s new book, her third.

She is to be at Barnes & Noble today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to sign copies.

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BOOK SIGNING: My latest book is “Historic Photos of Alaska” and I’ve been asked to sign copies today at Barnes & Noble from noon to 2 p.m., which I’m glad to do.

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SPEECH CONTEST: My first task this morning will be to help judge the finals of the middle school speech contest for the school district at Anne Wien Elementary School, along with Superintendent of Schools Nancy Wagner, educator Louise Anderl and the ever-theatrical Peggy Ferguson.

I judged the Pearl Creek speech contest last week, as I have for many years. I never fail to learn something by listening to the kids talk. The middle school finals start at 9:45 a.m. and the public is invited.

The elementary finals will begin at 12:30 p.m., judged by Kristina Brophy, Leslie Hajdukovich, June Ulz and Sue Wilken. All told, organizer Bonnie Roberts has lined up the assistance of 40 judges and other volunteers, only one of whom is a man.

R.I.P: Janet Baird, a formidable Fairbanksan who led the Tanana Valley Fair for many years, served on the school board and was active in numerous community campaigns, died Tuesday. She was 81.

A service will be May 10, with details to be announced. Janet is survived by four children. Her daughters Linda Gaddis and Judy Baird and her son, Andrew, live in Fairbanks, while her daughter Becky Baird lives in Anchorage.

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SOCCER HONORS: The Jennifer Templeton Coed Memorial Soccer Tournament takes place today at Tanana Middle School, sponsored by the ’94 Phoenix and ’94 Eclipse teams.

“Share the memory of Jennifer Templeton, the Phoenix ’94 coach, whose passion and dedication to the sport of soccer touched all who knew her. The tournament will be held in both gyms all day,” the team parents said.

There will be a silent auction. Drawings will take place during a spaghetti feed from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The spaghetti feed is $10 per person or $30 per family. For more details, call Steph McGinty at 456-4811.