Ryan Gumz may not have a license to drive, but that didn’t stop the Naperville boy from getting behind the wheel of a tractor at the 2015 Wonderful World of Wheels on earlier this week.
“We come every year,” said Naperville mom Natasha Gumz. “It’s so fun. What little boy doesn’t love to jump on emergency vehicles and tractors?”
Sponsored by Naperville Park District, Wonderful World of Wheels transforms the Whole Foods parking lot on 75th Street into a kids’ wonderland. For two hours, children and their parents are able to see, touch and explore a variety of vehicles.
“Wonderful World of Wheels is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy an outside event that is tailored to a younger crowd,” said Ashley Stubbeman, party and events coordinator for the Naperville Park District.
Stubbeman said the event featured vehicles “that star in many popular children’s books and shows,” including a school bus, fire truck, trolley,
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police car and tractor.
“Children love interacting with the vehicles up close and getting to imagine themselves operating it as they sit in the driver’s seat,” said Stubbeman.
Annabelle Bechtel, 5, agreed, as she commandeered an Oberweis delivery truck along with her 3-year-old brother Bennett. Their mom, Barb, said Wonderful World of Wheels is a family outing they’ve been looking forward to.
“We stop and look at trucks all the time so I couldn’t miss it,” said the mom. “We came last year, so I looked for it in the Park District guide this year.”
Another person who looked forward to the event was Annette Wehrli of Naperville Trolley and Tours, who spent the afternoon shuffling kids in and out of the blue trolley.
“When the kids climb aboard, they can’t wait to ring the bell and sit in the driver’s seat,” said Wehrli. “Time sure flies when you’re having fun.”
The Park District first held the Wonderful World of Wheels at the Naperville garden plots in 1998. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity and in size. Park District officials estimated that more than 1,000 people attended this year’s event.
“Naperville Trolley has been participating in World of Wheels for many, many years,” said Wehrli. “We participate – because as my dad was told in the ’50s by Walt Disney — there’s great satisfaction in making other people happy.”
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter.