Shimkat is bringing back the Raminator to celebrate its 70th anniversary on Saturday, while supporting Fort Dodge first responders.

But before that, a second Raminator monster truck will be available for attendees to ride on Friday, according to TJ Pingel, general sales manager at Shimkat.

“It’s kind of an extra thing we are doing to raise a little extra money,” Pingel said. “Nothing else will be going on that day, just the rides.”

The second Raminator will give rides around the block, located near Shimkat, 3126 5th Ave S., Pingel said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen The Raminator monster truck leaves a wake of crushed steel, broken plastic and dust as it drives over a row of cars Saturday afternoon at the Shimkat Family Weekend Event.

The truck has a roll cage built into the bed of the truck and holds eight seats, according to Pingel. Rides in it will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

But Saturday is when the real action will begin, according to Pingel.

“It’s going to be a Shimkat block party,” Pingel said. “That’s the atmosphere we want to create.”

Live music, face painting, and food will be offered during the event.

First Avenue South will be blocked off from Fort Frenzy to Decker Truck Line’s parking lot Saturday, Pingel said.

The road will be closed off from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rides will start in the Shimkat parking lot and travel down First Avenue South before returning to Shimkat.

“We wanted to have a spot blocked off, so it’s not just stop and go traffic for the kids,” Pingel said. “The truck will actually be able to get up some speed and people can enjoy the ride of the truck.”

Cost to ride is $3 for adults and $1 per child.

The car crush will be held at 1 p.m. That portion of the event is free.

Parking will be available at Fort Frenzy. Attendees will be shuttled from there to Shimkat.

“We ask that people be courteous to our neighbors,” Pingel said. “Don’t park in other people’s lots. There will be plenty of time and room for everyone.”

All of the money raised from the monster truck rides will go to Serving Our Servants. SOS, as it’s commonly known, was started in 2014 by the Rev. Al Henderson, of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Its goal is to recognize and help Fort Dodge first responders.

Pingel said the event is a way to show appreciation to Fort Dodge first responders and the sacrifices they have made.

“The biggest thing we have been talking about is in the light of what has been going on here recently. Unfortunately, we lost another life of an officer in the line of duty protecting citizens over in Council Bluffs,” Pingel said. “It’s just a reminder that these men and women go out there every day putting their life on the line.”

According to published news reports, Mark Burbridge, Pottawattamie County sheriff’s deputy, was shot and killed by an inmate Monday. The shooting occurred during an escape at Pottawattamie County Jail.

“This is just one way that we can give back and recognize our first responders through SOS,” Pingel said. “It’s a great group that knows exactly what these men and women need in each department.”

Pingel said he expects a full house Saturday.

More than 3,000 people attended when the Raminator was last at Shimkat in 2015.

“There’s not very many things that can bring out a quarter of the population of the town to one place at one time,” Pingel said. “It’s just fun.”