NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The sixth annual Touch A Truck Wilkes event welcomed 3,256 attendees to the Wilkes County Agricultural Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 19, for a day focused on hands-on exploration, career discovery, and community connection. This free community gathering brought together 72 businesses and organizations, alongside 50 volunteers, presenting 126 vehicles and pieces of equipment. The event offered individuals and families the opportunity to climb into, explore, and learn about the varied vehicles, equipment, businesses, and careers that contribute to the community's operations.
Misty McGuire Case, Executive Director of Touch A Truck Wilkes, stated that "Every year, this event reminds us just how incredible our community is." Case further expressed gratitude, noting that seeing thousands of people engaging with professionals, exploring equipment, and discovering careers aligns with the core purpose of Touch A Truck Wilkes. She extended thanks to every exhibitor, volunteer, sponsor, and family for their contributions to the event's success.
A significant new addition for the 2026 event was the debut of the Wilkes Community College Workforce Development Zone. Wilkes Community College representatives were present on-site, guiding individuals and families through educational programs, training opportunities, and career pathways. These pathways directly linked to many of the jobs and professions attendees discovered throughout the event, helping to connect career aspirations with practical preparation. Case emphasized the college's role, stating that having the institution present helped individuals and families understand the education and training required for various careers, furthering one of the event's goals to help people see possibilities for their future.
The event showcased a wide array of exhibits, ranging from heavy equipment and agricultural machinery to emergency response vehicles, public service equipment, and skilled trades. Other career-focused displays provided opportunities for people of all ages to interact directly with professionals. Attendees could learn about careers they might not encounter every day, asking questions and gaining insights into different types of work. Touch A Truck Wilkes was established to connect people with real-world experiences, fostering curiosity about skilled trades, agriculture, transportation, public service, and diverse career opportunities. It also facilitated meetings with professionals in these fields, educating attendees on the training and educational paths that can transform curiosity into a career.
Touch A Truck Wilkes continues to unite businesses, organizations, educational institutions, community partners, and volunteers to create an experience centered on exploration and connection. Beyond vehicles and equipment, the event featured interactive exhibits, family resources, food vendors, and other activities. For many, the direct interaction with professionals offered a valuable chance to consider career paths not previously contemplated.
Organizers underscored the importance of the 50 volunteers who managed various critical responsibilities, including parking, safety, entrance and exit operations, guest services, exhibitor support, and other behind-the-scenes tasks. Case highlighted that safety is paramount, particularly with thousands of families moving through the event. She conveyed appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by guests as volunteers worked to ensure everyone's safety. Touch A Truck Wilkes implemented specific safety procedures, such as group armbands and controlled entry and exit processes, designed to help keep families together. Case acknowledged that waiting in line can be challenging but expressed gratitude for attendees' understanding that volunteers were dedicated to maintaining a safe and organized event.
Looking ahead to the seventh annual event, organizers are already identifying areas for improving the guest experience. A primary need identified is for more volunteers. Case urged those who enjoyed the event to consider volunteering, explaining that increased volunteer participation is crucial for making lines move faster and enhancing the overall experience in the future. Attendees and exhibitors are also encouraged to continue sharing their experiences, photos, and memories from the event to showcase its impact and promote future gatherings.
Touch A Truck Wilkes extended sincere appreciation to its sponsors, whose support made the free community event possible. Case expressed gratitude for their investment in the event and the community members it serves, noting that sponsor support is vital for keeping the event free while providing meaningful opportunities for career exploration, learning about skilled trades, and community connection.
Even after the 2026 event concluded, community members can still support Touch A Truck Wilkes. Event T-shirts remain available for purchase, with ordering information accessible via the organization's social media pages. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Touch A Truck Wilkes welcomes donations, relying on community support, sponsors, and contributions to host the free annual event and advance its mission throughout the year. The organization aims to inspire curiosity about skilled trades, agriculture, and diverse professions while advocating for trade education and workforce development. The success of the 2026 event was attributed to the collective efforts of its exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and attendees. Organizers expressed thanks to all who contributed to making the sixth annual event memorable and anticipate seeing the community again next year.
