Youngsters could see or actually climb inside big trucks and emergency vehicles July 23 at the 2026 Touch-A-Truck event on the Festus Public Library parking lot.
The annual event, which was sponsored by the Friends of the Festus Public Library support group, featured a wide variety of vehicles, said Melissa Lamb, the library’s assistant director/youth services director. She said about 400 people attended.
“There’s a Festus Post Office truck, city of Festus Public Works Department vehicles, the Jefferson County Health Department Smiles to Go van, a Festus Police Department car, a Festus Fire Department truck, JPAD (Joachim Plattin Ambulance District), Pippin Towing, The Manuscript Mobile Bookstore – that’s a private business,” she said.
“There’s the Kona Ice truck, with free shaved ice. That’s sponsored by the Friends of the Festus Public Library.”
In addition, New York Life Insurance had set up a tent, and the Festus Public Library offered temporary tattoos and a coloring station, she said.
“I think it does spur reading,” Lamb said of the annual event.
“They’ll turn in their summer reading logs for prizes. The summer reading program ends Aug. 1.”
Parents and other relatives who attended with their youngsters praised the event.
Abby Carpenter of Festus said she and her daughter, Claire, almost 2, were attending their first Touch-A-Truck gathering at the Festus Public Library. Claire sat in the driver’s seat of a U.S. Postal Service truck.
“It’s really fun,” Abby said. “It’s a great way for the kids to interact with their community helpers.”
Marie Moore, who lives south of Festus, said her 7-year-old son Roman looks forward to seeing the vehicles each year.
“He loves the big trucks and the tractors, whatever construction vehicles are here,” she said. “They had tractors last year.”
“I want to live on a farm,” Roman said. “I like seeing the vehicles.”
Sharon Kittel of Festus said she came to the event with her three great-grandchildren, as well as her daughter.
“What really drew us was the Kona Ice,” Kittel said. “But, they like the vehicles.”
Those who brought the vehicles said they had a good time interacting with the children.
“I just think it’s good to be out in the community like this, let the kids see the big equipment,” Festus Fire Chief Jeff Broombaugh said. “We get to explain about (the equipment) in a non-emergency what it’s all about. And, of course, the smiles. I love the smiles.”
Postal Service employee Kayli Tessmer said she also enjoyed meeting the youngsters.
“I like to show the public the kind of vehicles we drive,” said Tessmer, a rural carrier and driving instructor for the Post Office. “And, just to see the kids’ faces.”
Lamb said the 2026 Touch-A-Truck gathering was a success.
“Everything went well,” she said. “It’s perfect weather, especially for July.”