For a child or a child at heart, there is something undeniably awe inspiring about the overwhelming size of large trucks.

This Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to see and explore these mammoth vehicles up close and personal at the 15th annual Big Trucks fundraiser, a joint effort between the Skaneateles Nursery School and the Marcellus Parent Nursery School.

The idea came from one simple concept, said Darcy Sisto, Skaneateles Nursery School director.

“Kids love trucks, so we thought that maybe we could get people to pay 25 cents to spend a day climbing and exploring some really big trucks,” Sisto said, “and the whole thing grew from there.”

As much as children love to play with trucks, the experience isn't complete without a basic child's favorite spot - the sandbox.

The fundraiser's organization has worked in conjunction with some real-life sand boxes, which are oversized just like the trucks.

The event was at Hanson's Quarry initially, but for the past several years has moved to Saunders on Limeledge Road in Marcellus.

“They (the quarries) have been very supportive of us,” Sisto said. “They have been great about hosting this and they have some really big trucks that can't leave the quarry, so everyone gets to see those too. It has really worked out well.”

Sisto estimated the event annually draws between 3,000 and 4,000 people to the quarry floor and she hopes to draw just as many with this year's fundraiser.

Numerous organizations and businesses lend their support to Big Trucks, such as the Skaneateles Fire Department and Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services, as well as concrete company Sunnycrest of Auburn, which assisted with the event since the beginning and year after year help create attractions.

“They always do a huge display,” Sisto said. “They make a big maze for the kids to wander around in and they just really try to make it fun for everyone. They have always been great to work with us like they do.”

But whether it is the massive quarry trucks of tractor-trailers or fire engines, Sisto believes the same sense of wonder draws everyone to Big Trucks.

“It is a real hands-on experience,” Sisto said. “People get to really look at all of these trucks up close and go in them and explore them. I think that is what makes it really fun and a unique experience for everyone.”

In addition to the vehicles, vendors will sell food and music entertainment will be going on all afternoon.

Big Trucks is the only fundraiser the nursery schools host throughout the year, Sisto said. It has grown from one simple idea into an important event that allows the schools to offer more than they might be able to otherwise.

“The money we raise goes towards scholarships,” Sisto said. “It also allows us to have an art and music teacher. The money helps us to be able to do those kinds of extra things.”

If you go.

What: Big Trucks

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28

Where: Saunders Quarry, Limeledge Road, Marcellus

Cost: $4 at the gate, free for children younger than 2

Info: Call 685-8543