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Families will have a chance to climb into the driver’s seat of some of Moose Jaw’s biggest, powerfullest, and most important vehicles in early September, when the fourth annual Touch-a-Truck rolls into the parking lot and inside the curling rink at Temple Gardens Centre.
Hosted by the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre in partnership with the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, Temple Gardens, the South Central Literacy Network, and the Moose Jaw Public Library, the free event mixes hands-on fun with early learning.
Coordinator Wanda Peakman says it’s more than a car show.
“It’s an interactive, hands-on experience where families can connect with the vehicles that keep our community moving and the everyday heroes who operate them,” she said. “When you pair it with literacy elements, every honk and switch becomes a chance for language enrichment.”
This year’s confirmed lineup includes fire engines, a tow truck, ambulance, police cruiser, a vintage 1950 Ford from the Western Development Museum, a school bus, and the Search and Rescue command post — with more to be announced.
On Saturday, Sep. 6, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a 30-minute sensory-friendly quiet time with reduced horns and sirens.
"It is definitely not one of our quieter events," Peakman noted. "It's a very loud event, so horns and sirens and radios will be going off from about 11:00 to 2:30 and then at 2:30 we really do our best to have something called 'Sensory Time'.
"However, I do see lots of families bring their little ones with those noise cancelling headphones, so that's an option. And inside the curling rink, it tends to be a little bit quieter, as well."
Indoor activities at the curling rink will include the Zamboni, play stations, book giveaways, and a paid concession.
“If you’re new to Moose Jaw or looking for a family community event, this is a great one to join in,” Peakman added.