SALINAS VALLEY — Kids (and kids at heart) can look forward to spending another fun afternoon in the driver’s seat as Coastal Kids Home Care’s 11th annual Touch-A-Truck Salinas rolls back into the Salinas Rodeo Grounds.
From 12 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 7, families can explore 50-plus vehicles, enjoy live entertainment and savor bites from local food trucks — all while supporting California’s only nonprofit pediatric home health agency. This beloved hands-on fundraiser gives visitors a rare, close-up look at the big rigs, emergency vehicles, helicopters and specialty trucks they usually see from afar, turning curiosity into an afternoon of unforgettable fun.
Admission is just $5 per person (children under 2 are free), with tickets available in advance online at coastalkidshomecare.org or at the gate. Every ticket sold directly helps medically fragile children across Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
Due to overwhelming response, Coastal Kids Home Care is no longer accepting new vehicle entries for the event.
Event highlights
- 50-plus touchable trucks and specialty vehicles — garbage trucks, tractors, fire trucks, police vehicles and more;
- CALSTAR helicopter landing (pending availability);
- Interactive Kids Zone featuring jumbo games, sports drills, and activities hosted by Gil Basketball Academy, Monterey Bay Football Club, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and ARCPoint Labs;
- Live stage entertainment from noon to 4 p.m., including cheer squads, hula dancers, magicians, musicians and cultural performances;
- Food Truck Court with local favorites such as Kona Ice, S&M’s Clam Chowder, Tacos Don Beto, Salinas Pizza & Pints and more; and
- Special performances by: Veronika Magdaleno (National Anthem); Salinas High School Cheer; Yamamoto Hula Ohana; Gil Basketball Academy (hoop demos and mascot appearances); Mr. Miraculous Magic Show; Guitars Not Guns; Kalpulli Ehecacoatl traditional dancers.
Volunteer opportunities open
High school students in need of service hours and community members looking to give back are encouraged to volunteer at the event. All volunteers will receive service letters and help bring this meaningful day to life. To sign up, email Rachel Pedinoff at rp*******@*****************re.org.
Sponsorship opportunities available
Local businesses and organizations can sponsor this impactful event and be recognized in front of hundreds of families. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Savanna Harris at sh*****@*****************re.org.
