Kids dig Truck Touch: Taking the wheel of a backhoe last year
I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t dig a good Truck Touch event. And that’s not at all surprising; even in my, um, middle-age years, I think they’re pretty awesome myself. It was over three years ago that I first blogged about one, with background on my kids’ fascination with substantial vehicles and cool wheels, and there have been many mentions of the events since. There are several that occur yearly around the area — they’ve become a standard on the fundraiser circuit for many organizations — but there’s one that easily takes the title as Mac Daddy of them all: The Annual Truck Touch at RFK.
Little girl, big ride
Now in its 6th year, the free, citywide event hosted by the DC Department of Public Works will take place this Saturday, June 15, from 9am – 2pm. RFK’s Lot 7 will be full of all kinds of DC government vehicles, and they will be open for guests of all ages to climb aboard, explore, and pretend they rule the road. A firetruck; police car; back hoe, excavator, and other construction vehicles; dump truck; snow plow; garbage truck; and a street cleaner are among the cool rides that will be there. There will also be Segways to test ride (kids, too!), hybrid and electric cars to test drive, mounted police horses to sit upon, and, if last year’s festivities repeat, a helicopter take-off to view. Plus, Public Works staff will be there to present demos and talk about the vehicles.
Kid on Segway – watch out!
Possibly her favorite part of the day
Even more, this will all take place while Mayor Vincent Gray’s official summer kick-off is happening in the adjacent Lot 6. That part will offer activities for youth of all ages, as well as family services and information from 9am – 5pm.
And did I mention that all of this is FREE? Well, everything but the concessions that will be available for purchase. If I remember correctly from last year, food trucks will be parked in the lot along with the DC government fleet.
What: Sixth Annual City-Wide Truck Touch and Summer Kick Off Event
When: Saturday, June 15, 9am – 5pm (Truck Touch portion ends at 2pm)
Where: RFK Stadium, Lot 6 & 7; 2400 East Capitol Street, NE
Any idea how was the parking there for this event?
Parking is easy. The lot is huge, so there will be plenty of space.
It is right next to the metro as well, for easy access.
Just back from the event. It’s a definite winner with your little ones if they’re even remotely interested in big vehicles. Storytelling, face painting and lots of giveaways. Good initiative by the Dept of Public Works.
Thank you so much for posting this. We went and LOVED it. Thanks for all of the great ideas that you post.
So glad you guys had a good time! It really is a fantastic event for little ones.
I was so glad you posted this, we went and it was great, easy parking, lots of things to do for LOs. . I hope this continues.
Can’t say Thank You enough! My son LOVED it! He is still talking about the big trucks and tells everyone that he saw the big trucks. Thanks again for posting great events!