Photo courtesy of City of Alexandria
A photo from the 2023 Tons of Trucks event in Alexandria.
For kids who wave at every garbage truck and slow down to stare at every fire engine, this Saturday is a big day. Tons of Trucks, the City of Alexandria's family favorite, returns Saturday, Sept. 26, to Chinquapin Park, and it's celebrating its 10th year.
Families can climb into city vehicles, meet the people who drive them and learn what goes into keeping Alexandria running, from plowing snow to answering emergencies.
“Tons of Trucks is more than an event — it's an opportunity for our community to connect with the people and equipment that help make Alexandria a great place to live, work, and play,” said Hashim Taylor, director of the city's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. “Celebrating 10 years makes this year especially meaningful, and we're excited to welcome families to Chinquapin Park for a day filled with fun, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.”
The essentials
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (sensory-friendly hour is 10 to 11 a.m.)
- Where: Chinquapin Park, 3210 King St.
- Cost: Free
- Weather: Rain or shine
- Tip: RSVP ahead to skip the wait at alexandriava.gov/rpca/tons-of-trucks
What's new for year 10
The anniversary edition adds some star power. A new Pop Culture Area features the “Diggin For Dollas” monster truck and a “Back to the Future” DeLorean, and you can take photos with both. DapperBeatz of the TopTierGroup will host a DJ dance party, and there's a moon bounce for kids who need to burn off energy.
Budding artists can join the city's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services for Paint-a-Plow and help decorate a real city snowplow. They can also watch the city's Mobile Art Lab debut its new vehicle wrap, a design chosen by the community, and try hands-on art activities. DASH is marking the milestone with its 10th annual Tons of Trucks bus wrap, which is another good photo spot.
The trucks (and the people behind them)
The classics are all here: fire trucks, police vehicles, refuse trucks, school buses, electric vehicles and DASH buses, plus other city trucks and specialty vehicles.
Families can also meet Alexandria's emergency preparedness teams, including the Community Emergency Response Team, the Medical Reserve Corps, amateur radio volunteers and other response partners. Virginia American Water will hand out free water and show off its “Water Buffalo,” a water storage tank.
City departments and programs will have booths too, including ALEX311, the Office of Human Rights, the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, Alexandria Library, the Office of Climate Action and GO ALEX. Food trucks, giveaways and a few surprises round out the day.
Fill your passport, win a prize
Pick up a site map when you arrive. It includes a Tons of Trucks passport. Visit the participating stops around the event to complete it, then bring it to the RPCA info tent for a prize while supplies last.
A quieter first hour
From 10 to 11 a.m., the event offers a lower-sensory environment with less noise and activity for visitors who need it. The attractions stay open until 2 p.m., so nobody has to rush.
Getting there
The city encourages visitors to walk, bike or take transit. DASH bus service to the event is free, and Capital Bikeshare is available. If you're coming by bike, scooter or stroller, you can use the free Park and Roll valet in front of Chinquapin Recreation Center.
You'll find more transportation options at alexandriava.gov/GOAlex.
If you're driving, you can park at:
- Alexandria City High School, 3330 King St.
- First Baptist Church, 2932 King St.
- Oakland Baptist Church, 3408 King St.
ADA parking is available at Chinquapin Recreation Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more details, visit the Tons of Trucks event page.
