The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Touch-a-truck in Utica is back
Get up close and personal with your favorite big trucks and utility vehicles
Utica, N.Y. — Touch-a-truck at Handshake.city is back on Sunday, August 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Touch-a-truck is a free, hands-on event where children and families can see, touch, and climb their favorite trucks.
An event highlight will be a Helicopter landing from Mercy Flight. Groups bringing trucks include the Utica Fire Department, Utica Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Transportation, New York State Police, National Guard, Mohawk Valley Water Authority, Kunkle Ambulance, and more. There will also be music, games, and activities for children, plus vendors and food trucks for all to enjoy.
Touch-a-truck was started in 2017 as a collaboration between Primary Urgent Care and Utica Fire Department, according to an official press release. In 2019 the event relocated to Handshake.city at 26 Whitesboro Street in Utica.
Handshake.city is a collaboration of green space, art gallery, urban marketplace, and event venue from community group, Made In Utica. The venue offers a family and pet-friendly outdoor experience.
“Touch-a-truck is a great way to bring together amazing local resources for children and the community,” said Handshake. City co-founder Katie Reilly. “We’re proud to be able to provide an interactive experience that also teaches safety and trust.”
Touch-a-truck is free to attend thanks to MVP Health Care and is organized and supported with assistance by Utica Fire Department, Primary Urgent Care, New York Sash, and City of Utica.
To learn more or get involved with Handshake.city, visit the organization’s website.