Touch-A-Truck returns for fourth year of family fun in Boyd County

Catlettsburg, Ky. — One of Boyd County’s most anticipated family events is rolling back into town. 

Touch-A-Truck returns for its fourth year on Friday, June 5 at the Boyd Convention & Arts Center, offering a free, hands-on experience designed to bring families together and kick off the summer season.

Hosted by Boyd County Community & Economic Development, the event invites children and families to explore a wide variety of vehicles up close. 

According to Kacy Abrams, Community Development Director for Boyd County Fiscal Court, families attending this year’s event can expect an engaging and interactive lineup. 

“Families can expect common vehicles that we see in our community everyday,” she said. “We will have police cars, firetrucks, tow trucks, and more.” 

Abrams says the event will also have more “unique” vehicles for children to explore, including a monster truck, construction equipment, a school bus, and even a cyber truck. 

She says the experience offers children a rare opportunity to climb inside, honk horns, and see firsthand how these vehicles operate.

Along with the vehicle demonstrations, there will also be face painting, inflatables, crafts, and a visit by Peanut the Clown. Attendees will also enjoy a free lunch of hotdogs and nachos. 

Beyond the fun, Abrams says the event serves a deeper purpose.

“Touch A Truck is important for the community so kiddos have a chance to make positive interactions with community helpers and agencies,” Abrams said. “This event creates connections between children and the people who help keep our community running while also giving people a chance to get together, interact, and enjoy a positive community event.” 

She says that local first responders and organizations play a key role in making that connection possible. 

“Our first responders volunteer their time to set up, bring their equipment and vehicles, and interact with the kids and families that attend,” she said. “They also answer questions about their careers and allow the kids to get up close to their vehicles.”

To ensure the event is accessible to all, organizers will once again host a dedicated sensory hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., offering a quieter environment without lights or sirens.

“Sensory hour is important so that everyone can feel included,” Abrams said. “We want all kiddos, and even adults, to feel comfortable coming to our events and spending some time with us.”

The main event will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring full lights, sounds, and activities.

Touch-A-Truck is free and open to the public.

“I love being able to offer this for free to families. It is important so everyone can come, regardless of their financial situation. All families deserve to be able to have a fun day enjoying time together,” Abrams said.

That accessibility, combined with its interactive nature, has made the event a favorite among local families.

“The response is always so positive,” Abrams said. “Families love having something free to be able to come out and do.”

“The kids love seeing all the cool vehicles and getting a chance to sit in them, honk the horns, and even flash the lights,” she added.

Abrams also expressed gratitude to those who make the event possible, including sponsors, organizations, businesses, volunteers, and first responders.

Event sponsors include Marathon Petroleum, UK King’s Daughters, Members Choice Credit Union, Davis Equipment Company, River Valley Church, Ashland Community & Technical College, Kentucky Power, and The Write Touch Studio. 

The Boyd Convention & Arts Center is located at 15605 KY-180 Catlettsburg, KY 41129.