By JOAN DUNN

Special to The Hays Daily News

Plans are started for the ninth annual Go Truck Go. Mark your calendars for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Go Truck Go is a community event sponsored by Parents as Teachers/Early Head Start. This year, Head Start will join in GTG as part of their end of the year celebration. GTG is a fun way to learn about different service groups and agencies in our community. There will be information on many safety issues concerning children; the Ident-a-Kid program and the Hays Fire Department's smoke house.

Go Truck Go has something for everyone. In the student parking lot at Hays High School, there will be numerous vehicles on display. There will be construction equipment, farm equipment, city of Hays service vehicles, emergency vehicles and many more just for fun -- such as a race car, motorcycle, mail truck, school bus and the Nex-Tech train.

Gym B will be the location for some of the community programs. The Ellis County Extension office will provide information on health, nutrition and farm safety. Representatives from High Plains Mental Health, Healthy Start, Smart Start, Resource and Referral, Wild Life and Parks, Daddy and Me, Head Start, The Learning Center, P.A.T.H.S. and the Humane Society also will be available to answer questions or just to let you know what they do. Balloon animals also will be available in the gym. Depending on his work schedule, the canine dog might be able to attend.

The first 400 families to sign in will receive a bag containing information, stickers, pencils and a free book. McDonald's is donating orange drink, ice water and cookies. Pizza will be available starting at 5 p.m.

A bicycle skills safety course will be available for all ages of children. The course will consist of several challenges to help evaluate a child's skill level at riding. Those planning on participating should bring their bicycle, helmet and other safety equipment. Additionally, a tricycle area will be set up for younger children.

P.A.T.H.S. is the acronym for two early childhood programs: Parents as Teachers and Early Head Start. P.A.T.H.S. is a child development, parents and family service program for pregnant women and children between birth and age 3. The program vision is for all children to learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential. Our mission is to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. The office is located at Hays High School, 2300 E. 13th. P.A.T.H.S. phone number is (785) 623-2440 or toll free at (866) 258-3250.

Joan Dunn is P.A.T.H.S.

coordinator.