Behind the Scenes at Touch a Truck (Happening This Saturday, April 21!)

My boys are SO excited for Touch a Truck this weekend!  All three of them: the toddler, the preschooler, and the one I’m married to. Why? Because Touch a Truck is quite literally a little boy’s dream! A wonderful event hosted by the Junior League of San Francisco, this year’s event will include twelve fully immersive truck experiences (last year we climbed inside of a police car, shifted the gears on a giant construction vehicle, and tried to push the huge drum of a cement mixer around!), as well as a petting zoo, games, food trucks, even a beer garden for Mom and Dad’s enjoyment.

Whether you’ve attended in the past, or are considering this year for the first time, here are some interesting insights into the behind-the-scenes preparation for Touch a Truck, plus insider tips for making the most of the day.

I spoke with Michelle Mukherjee, the Event Production Chairwoman, who told us that this is the third annual Touch a Truck in San Francisco, a unique event bringing local companies and their trucks together with community members, “offering the companies a truly unique opportunity for exposure and interaction with the community and with youth in particular.”  There will be a dozen trucks and their drivers at Saturday’s event in the Presidio, as well as the over 80 Junior League volunteers it takes to put on such a huge production.

Though the event doesn’t start until 11:00 AM, the volunteer women will begin setting up at 6:00 AM and all traces of the event – and its expected 2000 attendees – will be removed by 4:00 PM.  Just typing that sounds exhausting! So if you attend the event and see one of the t-shirt clad volunteers, please say “thank you.” They got up much earlier than we did so our little ones could enjoy a fun-filled day.

Here are some pro tips to make the most of Touch A Truck:

• Get your tickets in advance.  Advance tickets are available until April 19 and are highly recommended. In addition to saving a few dollars on the ticket prices, you will save time at check-in.   

• Pack a blanket, sun-tent, and lawn chairs.  It’s worth trekking the extra baggage to have a “home base” for your family to rest throughout the day and a place to sit and eat lunch.

• Bring cash if you can.  Credit cards are accepted for day-of tickets, food trucks and beer garden, however, the cellular network can get a bit taxed at the Presidio during peak hours so transactions can be slow.

• Consider a Fast Pass.  Fast Pass tickets will be available for an optional cash donation for both the petting zoo and the baby Tesla car exhibits.

• Make a day of it!  Nap schedules permitting, relax and stay to take in the whole event.  There’s a lot to see and do, and you can enjoy lunch from the food vendors or pack a picnic.  The event is busiest in the morning but lines start to mellow out a bit after 1:00 PM.

The best part about this event is that simply by attending, you are helping the Junior League in its mission to advance the social and emotional well-being of youth and elderly in San Francisco. Ms. Mukherjee says that “Proceeds from Touch A Truck will benefit our community programs with amazing partners like Project Open Hand, SMART, Safe and Sound and San Francisco Education Fund and other programs that align to this focus.”

Hope to see you this Saturday at Touch a Truck!