Hundreds of people lined vantage points to wave at Dunedin's most special truck convoy as it travelled through the city and suburbs yesterday in what was indeed a special day for its passengers.
Children, their families, truck-drivers and the organisers alike were delighted with how the 17th annual Special Rigs for Special Kids event went, and most are already looking forward to the 18th.
Event founder and organiser Greg Inch said 241 vehicles turned out for the convoy, largely big rigs, but also smaller trucks, ambulances, buses and fire engines.
Starting from the Edgar Centre on Portsmouth Dr, the convoy travelled via Victoria Rd, Forbury Rd, the Southern Motorway, Mosgiel and Three Mile Hill Rd before returning to the Edgar Centre.
Mr Inch estimated about 240 special needs children and their families took the opportunity to ride in the big rigs.
Hundreds more gathered at the Edgar Centre afterwards to enjoy a sausage sizzle, entertainment and check out the trucks.
He was thrilled with how the day went and now would take a well-earned break, before starting in a few months to organise next year's event.
"These guys [the truck drivers] are great. They enjoy spending time with the kids and hanging with them. Friendships are forged and everywhere you look around all day, kids are smiling. It's just a big party," Mr Inch said.
The event, which began in 1991, is the longest-running charitable trucking convoy in New Zealand and Australia.
Dunedin mother Sandra Whipp said her sons Bradley (4) and Connor (2) looked forward to the day for weeks.
Bradley, who has special needs, had waved to the crowds watching all the way until he fell asleep when the truck he was riding in reached Three-Mile Hill Rd.
"We came for the first time last year, and I think we'll be coming for the rest of our lives now," Mrs Whipp said.
"It's actually humbling that they put on a day like this for kids with special needs. It's just awesome."