Handshake.City kicks off Downtown GetDown with lights, sirens and a helicopter in Utica

Handshake.City kicked off its 6th annual Downtown GetDown Saturday morning at the Whitesboro Street park. The event included food, craft beer, vendors and music.

Children were able to turn on police, fire and ambulance vehicles' lights and sirens as part of the Touch-a-Truck event put on with the Utica Fire Department and watch a Mercy Flight helicopter land at the park. Patrons also visited the various vendors set up at booths or Handshake.City's revamped shipping containers.

There had been a decent turnout as of noon Saturday, said Ace Morreale, who was hosting the Oneida County Pride Association's booth. Michael Parent agreed.

"Couldn't have asked for a better day," said Parent, owner of Utica Vintage Club and one of the events' vendors.

Handshake.City was launched as a new venue by the community group Made in Utica in 2018. Music and other activities are planned later in the afternoon Saturday, according to their website. The event runs until 6 p.m. and is free to attend.

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H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.