About Touch-A-Truck for Kids...
In 2003, I wanted to build an event we could share with the River Falls, Wisconsin community. The "Touch-A-Truck" name was suggested by my wife in 2003 after seeing our son's excited enjoyment watching large earth movers, diggers and trucks at construction sites, and playing with smaller ones in his sandbox. Our first event was held in June 2004 at the Dick's Fresh Market parking lot. We had 28 trucks and about 500 people attend. Since 2004, we've organized and held the event every other year during "even" years the Saturday before Father's Day. In 2010, we added "for Kids" to the event name and branded it as "Touch-A-Truck for Kids". In organizing the event over the years, the number of trucks has increased to over 50 and between 2,000 and 3,500 people coming from all over the area to see and experience the event. Word has definitely gotten around about what an exciting event this is! As the event numbers increased, so did the demand for a larger parking lot and amenities. The event is now held at the River Falls High School parking lot, our third and biggest location since we started. We also receive many emails from others around the United States who want to organize a similar event. Touch-A-Truck for Kids is a great family event. It gives kids an opportunity to see
trucks and vehicles up close and from the inside; something they might
not otherwise ever have the chance to do. It takes 250 plus volunteer hours
to organize and put the event together. Touch-A-Truck for Kids is
possible through the generous support of event sponsors, and companies and individuals who donate their time and services to display
trucks, vehicles or simply wish to be involved in this wonderful
community event. Even though our costs to produce the event continue to increase, we have always said this will be a free community event to attend. There is no event admission fee and it is open to the public during published event hours. All brat stand food and beverage supplies are
donated exclusively by Dick's Fresh Market, Pepsi Beverages and Best Maid Cookie Co., with
100% of sales benefiting either River Falls Area Ambulance or
River Falls Fire Department. River Falls Municipal Utilities
distributes plastic yellow and pink play hard hats to the first 500 children age
eight and under. We suggest event-goers bring a nonperishable food item to donate at the entrance to Touch-A-Truck for Kids to benefit our River Falls Community Food Pantry. In recent years, and with thanks to event-goers, the Food Pantry has consistently realized approximately 400 pounds of donated food each time we hold the event. I invite you to
come see Touch-A-Truck for Kids and share the experience with a child. Joe Covelli, Event Organizer |