The family-friendly event, Touch a Truck returns to Madison this summer Sat., July 30,  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This day provides children of all ages an opportunity to put their

imaginations into high gear as they climb aboard, beep the horn, flash lights, sound sirens and

sit in the driver’s seat of their favorite trucks. The lineup includes many types of trucks such as

emergency, utility and construction vehicles.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Madison Public Library in cooperation with the Madison YMCA

and the Rotary Club of Madison, Touch a Truck will take place rain or shine. Emergency

vehicles will stretch down Keep Street across from the Library, and the YMCA parking lot will be

filled with a variety of large trucks. It is a low cost, fun- filled day for families.

Returning this year to enchant the children with his magic show will be the popular magician,

Simon Mandal. There will be four 20 minute Simon Shows held between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A highlight of the event will feature working Lionel O Gauge trains running in an authentic 1928

baggage rail car. A working Morris & Essex diesel locomotive, a 1928 safety training rail car

and new and antique Madison Central Railroad memorabilia complete this display that will

appeal to both children and adults who are kids at heart.

Touch a Truck will keep families happily entertained with many activities, including free face

painting, balloon artists capable of creating any balloon idea a child can imagine, temporary

tattoos, music and delicious food.

All proceeds from the event will support renovation in the Children’s Department of the Madison

Public Library. Admission for toddlers up to age 12 will be $8 for advance purchases

postmarked or in person at the library by Fri., July 23; and $10 after that date and for same

day purchases. The cost for teens and adults is $5. Children must be accompanied by an

adult.

Fundraisers sponsored by the Friends benefit special library offerings, particularly programs for

children and teens, plus expanded book and media collections that are beyond the reach of the

library’s budget. Adult education programs sponsored by the Friends include Drew

Minicourses, Tech Tuesdays and summer Seminars co-sponsored with the Madison Senior

Center. Music, movies, poetry, team competition and workshops were popular family events.

For information, visit the Friends website at friendsmadisonnjlibrary.org or call (973) 514-5969.

Sponsorships for Touch a Truck are still available. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event as

a way of expressing support for the library from a family or business should contact Laurie

Harting at lharting@verizon.net.