Hagerstown Gears Up for Third Annual “Touch a Truck & Train” Family Event

The City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Division is set to host its third annual “Touch a Truck & Train” event this Saturday at the City Park Train Hub, offering residents a unique opportunity to engage with a variety of vehicles and modes of transportation. The free, multi-sensory experience, scheduled from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, invites children and families to explore and interact with equipment they might otherwise only see in books or on the road. Attendees will be able to climb aboard, activate horns, and even “operate” large machinery such as dump trucks, fire engines, and backhoes, alongside an actual train.

Several City of Hagerstown departments, including Public Works, Parks, Water and Wastewater, Light, Police, and Fire, are contributing vehicles and equipment for display. This collaborative effort allows for an extensive showcase of the machinery that supports the city’s daily operations. The event is made possible through sponsorships from local businesses such as FedEx, Flight Fiber by Antietam Broadband, Renewal by Andersen, BTST Services, ServPro, Maryland Physicians Care, Xfinity, and Wellpoint.

In addition to the vehicle displays, the event promises a range of family-friendly activities designed to entertain attendees of all ages. Visitors can expect live music, face painting, and balloon artists. A special attraction will be Tommy 202, a tractor wagon train offering rides to children throughout the event. Local food vendors will be present, providing a variety of hot meals and sweet treats for purchase. The City Park Train Hub & Museum itself will be open, inviting guests to explore its gift shop and current exhibits.

The “Touch a Truck & Train” event is planned to proceed rain or shine. Parking will be available in various locations within City Park, with designated spots along Highland Avenue and City Park Drive. To ensure safety and ease of access for the large vehicles on display, the gravel road leading to the softball fields will have restricted access. A limited number of handicap-accessible parking spaces will be offered at the event site, located at 770 City Park Drive.

Beyond the special event, the City Park Train Hub offers ongoing attractions for exploration and learning. Visitors are encouraged to experience the retired caboose, historic steam engine 202, and the train-themed playground. These features aim to educate attendees about Hagerstown’s historical significance as the “Hub City.” The Train Hub is generally open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with standard admission rates applying outside of special events. A full calendar of events and further details can be found online at http://www.cityparktrainhub.org or by following the City Park Train Hub on Facebook.

For those with specific questions about the “Touch a Truck & Train” event or for inquiries regarding private tours, the City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation office can be reached at 301-739-8577, extension 170, or via email at kosmer@hagerstownmd.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown.

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