Goldsboro, N.C. — Engines revved, horns blared, and children’s faces lit up with excitement on Saturday as families from across Wayne County turned out for the annual “Touch A Truck” event, hosted by the Partnership for Children of Wayne County. The event offered a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience that combined family fun with educational opportunities about the essential services and industries that power the community.
Held under sunny skies, the event featured an impressive lineup of vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, police cruisers, construction equipment, military vehicles, and agricultural machinery. Children were encouraged to explore the vehicles up close — climbing into cabs, turning steering wheels, flipping switches, and, to their delight, honking horns.
In addition to the vehicles, the day included a range of family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and a scenic tractor-pulled wagon ride. Local food trucks served up crowd favorites, and community vendors offered giveaways, safety materials, and educational resources for parents and caregivers.
For many, the event served as a way to bridge the gap between public services and the people they serve. Representatives from local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, utility companies, and transportation services were on hand to answer questions and engage with children in an approachable, informal setting.
The event, which has grown steadily in popularity each year, is part of the Partnership for Children’s broader mission to support early childhood development and community engagement. By connecting families with local services in a festive, interactive environment, the organization hopes to make a lasting impact on both children’s education and public awareness.
Parents praised the event for being both entertaining and enriching.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that “Touch A Truck” was more than just a fun outing — it was a community celebration, a learning opportunity, and a reminder of the people and professions that keep Wayne County moving.
