Bristow's 5th annual Touch-A-Truck event gives back-to-school help

Bristow is set to host its fifth annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, Aug. 2, beginning at 9 a.m. The event, designed to provide a safe, fun and educational experience for children of all ages, will include opportunities to tour, touch and explore more than 70 vehicles for land, sea and sky.

The event also features a variety of attractions, including food trucks, concessions, artisan and informational vendors, bounce houses, photo opportunities, face painting, a mechanical bull, a roping dummy and local and university mascots.

Backpacks and School Supplies for Students

In addition to entertainment, the event includes a school supply giveaway for students attending the event, no income or residency verification required. Organizers are aiming to distribute more than 300 fully stocked backpacks to children on a first-come, first-served basis.

Backpacks have been donated by event organizer Kylie Thomas and her family, along with support from local businesses and the creator of the roping dummy featured at the event. Supplies have been gathered through donations from the Rotary Club of Bristow, Community Bank, SpiritBank and Bristow Creative Arts Center.

The school supply drive wraps up at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Donations—marked "Touch-A-Truck" in the memo line—can be made to the Rotary Club of Bristow and deposited at SpiritBank. Volunteers will pack backpacks on Thursday afternoon ahead of the weekend event.

Inclusive Support for All Children

The giveaway is open to all children attending the event, regardless of income or location. Organizers say the goal is to help families during the expensive back-to-school season and ensure every child feels included and prepared for the upcoming school year.

Organized by a Local Team of Women

Touch-A-Truck Bristow is led by a team of four local women. Event organizer Kylie Thomas, a photographer, is also providing free photo sets for families.

Ashlee Price manages vendor coordination and the artisan market area. Rebecca Evans assists with design and signage, while Jamie Braden helps promote the event through press and social media.

Updates and more information can be found on the Touch-A-Truck Bristow Facebook page.