EPHRATA – Fire trucks, buses, ambulances, concrete mixers, dump trucks, tractors and other emergency vehicles and equipment will fill the Ephrata Splash Zone parking lot May 17. The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank. 

“Really, this event is for everyone,” Ephrata Fire Department Administrative Assistant Misty Fairchild said. “We put kids of all ages but even if it’s an adult, they can have a good time. We have a lot of different things for people to do and it is pretty cool to be able to get up close and personal with equipment and vehicles that are normally pretty restricted.”  

The event is free to the public with a recommended donation of food or cash to benefit the Ephrata Food Bank. The Ephrata Food Bank had told the Columbia Basin Herald during a previous interview that they are in serious need of high-protein foods such as meat, protein bars, peanut butter, mixed nuts and jerky. They also need non-perishable canned goods and easy meals that people could cook in the microwave. Everyone who donates to the food bank will be entered into a raffle to win a birthday party at the Ephrata fire station.  

“Once a year, or so, we will donate to a raffle for a birthday party at the fire station,” Fairchild said. “It isn’t reasonable for us to have frequent birthday parties, but every once in a while, is something we can manage, and it is really fun for the people involved.”  

There will also be a variety of activities outside of the ability to touch vehicles. Fairchild said one table that will be returning for sure this year is the “tattoo” station, where attendees can get “inked up” with a fire department tattoo. There will also be coloring tables, fire prevention information and food vendors on site.  

“We don't have everything finalized yet,” Fairchild said. “We're still waiting on people to confirm. I know we'll have some fun activities, though.” 

To ensure everyone can enjoy the opportunity, there will be a sensory-friendly hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. when lights, sirens and flashing lights will be paused. 

“This is a time for kids who may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory processing issues or kids who just find loud noises or flashing lights to be upsetting to come and enjoy,” Fairchild said. “If your kids like loud noises and hands-on experiences like honking horns and sirens, please plan your visit outside of our sensory hours.”  

Fairchild said they have been hosting the event for around 20 years, and the community seems to enjoy the opportunity for hands-on learning and activities.  

“Come get a close look up at the many trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment that can be seen around in our community,” Fairchild said. “Music, fun activities and food vendors are also a part of the day's entertainment. This is an event you don’t want to miss.”  

Touch a Truck 
May 17
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sensory hour: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ephrata Splash Zone Parking Lot
780 A St. SE, Ephrata
Free to the public
Bring food or cash to donate to the Ephrata Food Bank 

    The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual Touch a Truck event on May 17. The event is free; however, the fire departments ask for food donations or cash to be brought for the Ephrata Food Bank. Anyone who donates to the food bank will be entered into a raffle for a birthday party at the fire station.