Touch-A-Truck draws hundreds for a day of family fun in Boyd County

ASHLAND, Ky. – Families from across Boyd County gathered for a day of hands-on fun and community connection as the annual Touch-A-Truck event welcomed an estimated 500 attendees this year at the Boyd Convention & Arts Center.

Hosted by Boyd County Community & Economic Development on June 5, the event once again delivered an engaging, family-friendly experience, allowing children to explore a wide range of vehicles while interacting with local first responders, volunteers, and community organizations.

This year’s event featured a mix of returning favorites and exciting new additions. Among the highlights were Face Painting by Faith and Peanut the Clown, both of which were offered free of charge to attendees.

Children also had the opportunity to climb inside and explore a variety of vehicles, with a few clear crowd favorites emerging.

“Several of the youngest kids loved being able to get on a school bus,” said Kacy Abrams, Community Development Director for Boyd County Fiscal Court. “The cybertruck and school bus were both new additions this year.”

Throughout the event, organizers witnessed meaningful interactions between children and the people who help keep the community running.

Attendees shared that enthusiasm, praising both the experience and the atmosphere of the event.

“Touch-A-Truck is always such a fun, family-friendly event,” said Shelby Runyon, a teacher at Fairview Elementary School, whose summer program attended the event. “We love seeing the community come together and the kids have a great time.”

For many families, the combination of activities made the day especially memorable.

“Touch-a-Truck was such a fun event, “ said community member Maria Rakes.”My girls loved all the vehicles they were able to see and climb into but also loved the free face painting and the inflatables. Everything was so thoughtfully put together and made for a perfect day out with my girls.”

Beyond the excitement, Abrams emphasized the deeper impact of the event and what it means to her personally.

“I love having the opportunity to give back to our community by planning and executing events like Touch-A-Truck. It means a lot to be able to have events that are free so all families have access to spend a fun day together,” she said.

With another successful year in the books, organizers are already looking ahead. 

The next Boyd County Community & Economic Development event will take place on Friday, July 17 for “Fun in the Sun.” More details can be found by visiting the organization’s Facebook page.