Kaden’s Kids 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck Event Returns to Dubuque

Dubuque families, mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck event. It's rolling back into town, and it’s shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year. Hosted by the nonprofit Kaden’s Kids, the event will take place on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

If you joined the fun last fall, you know how special this event is. Kids lit up as they climbed into fire trucks, honked horns on construction equipment, and met local heroes. But behind the joy and excitement lies the true heart of this event, the story of 3-year-old Kaden Lynch.

In May 2024, Kaden tragically drowned in a family member’s pool in Illinois. The devastating accident happened in just minutes and forever changed the lives of his family. Out of that grief, Kaden’s father, Brandon Lynch, made it his mission to honor Kaden’s memory by creating an organization that would keep other children safe and support families navigating similar hardships.

“This event is about more than trucks, tractors, and excavators. It’s about keeping kids safe, giving families resources, and making sure no one feels alone in their darkest times. Kaden loved exploring big machines, and now we get to share that joy with other kids while carrying his legacy forward.”

-Brandon Lynch, President/Founder of Kaden's Kids

Check out our full interview with Brandon Lynch below:

Because of last year’s overwhelming community support, Kaden’s Kids has expanded its work beyond pool safety to include broader safety education, prevention programs, and, for the first time, grief support services.

This year, families can expect even more fun, with the addition of a petting zoo, live vehicle interactions, and booths from many local nonprofit organizations. And of course, all the big rigs, fire engines, and police cars will still be front and center for kids to explore.

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Admission is free with a free-will donation, with proceeds benefiting Kaden’s Kids. So bring the family, enjoy an unforgettable day, and help turn a father’s loss into a community’s mission of hope, healing, and safety.

Curious what you will see at the 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck this October? Take a look back at some of the incredible moments from last year’s inaugural event. These photos capture the joy, excitement, and community spirit that made it such a success. These photos are why we can’t wait to do it all again.