Touch-A-Truck returns for second year
The second annual Touch-A-Truck will return to Sanibel Island featuring twice as many trucks as the previous year.
The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road. A sensory-friendly hour will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by it opening up for the general public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Sanibel Recreation Center Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon said it is a very family oriented event that provides ample opportunities for kids and adults to view the trucks up close and learn from the businesses that help keep the island moving forward.
“It’s a very casual atmosphere for the kids to talk to the firefighters and police officers and ask any questions they might have,” she said, adding that the event gives a platform for eduction. “It’s a great way for the kids to speak to the operators of all the vehicles and the important work that they do for us day in and day out.”
There will be more than 20 trucks — emergency vehicles, construction equipment, utility vehicles and specialty vehicles for children and families to explore.
“I think I have tapped every resource,” Dillon said.
The Lee County Mosquito Control District, a popular truck from last year, will have officers on hand to explain what they do again this year.
“They serve such an important purpose and roll for Sanibel and how they deal with the mosquitoes and spraying. The kids really enjoyed this station last year,” she said.
Another favorite from last year — the Sanibel Public Works bucket loader, which is returning again this year — gave the kids an opportunity to climb into the cab and use the controllers.
Some new additions this year will be the Lee Health’s LeeFlight helicopter and a monster truck from All Superior Auto Works.
LeeFlight’s participation is subject to emergency response needs, and the aircraft may need to leave if called to an emergency. It is scheduled to be on-site exclusively from 10 to 11 a.m.
Other participants will include the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, Sanibel Police Department, Lee County EMS, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, LCEC, Lee County Library System’s Mobile Library Bus, Creel Tractor Company, Mission BBQ, and Lee County Department of Transportation.
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will have their 2027 calendars on sale, and will provide autographs during the event. Dillon said a lot of the organizations will also provide small giveaways, prizes and activities for the kids.
For additional information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY / mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com , please email