Tons of Trucks 05/27/2006

I went to the Columbia Mall for an assignment for the Missourian, “Tons of Trucks.” This event for young children who are enamored with large trucks is a chance to crawl into the driver seats of fire trucks, buses, garbage trucks, police cars and ambulances. To quote one of the dads, “This is like a Toddler Coachella.”

Russell Newton, 6, stands in the turret of the Columbia Police department’s BearCat armored tactical vehicle at the annual Ton of Trucks on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. “We come out every year for this and th

Russell Newton, 6, stands in the turret of the Columbia Police department’s BearCat armored tactical vehicle at the annual Ton of Trucks on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. “We come out every year for this and the kids have a blast.” Miranda Newton, Russell’s mother said.

Columbia Police officer Reuben Mannering helps hold the tactical shield for Sailer Manson, 4, at the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. “He is a big fan of fire and police trucks.” Mari

Columbia Police officer Reuben Mannering helps hold the tactical shield for Sailer Manson, 4, at the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. “He is a big fan of fire and police trucks.” Marissa Manson, Sailer’s mother said.

Lines gather for the Columbia Fire department’s ladder truck at the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. The ladder truck was one biggest attractions at this year’s event.

Lines gather for the Columbia Fire department’s ladder truck at the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. The ladder truck was one biggest attractions at this year’s event.

Arthur Nussbaum, 2, tries to blast the horn of a tractor the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. It is Arthur’s second year out here and his father Andrew Nussbaum said “This event is li

Arthur Nussbaum, 2, tries to blast the horn of a tractor the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. It is Arthur’s second year out here and his father Andrew Nussbaum said “This event is like a Toddler Coachella.”

Daisy Termorshuizen, 1, takes control of a Columbia City garbage truck with the help of her father Caleb Termorshuizen and City of Columbia employee DeMarcus Coats at annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking

Daisy Termorshuizen, 1, takes control of a Columbia City garbage truck with the help of her father Caleb Termorshuizen and City of Columbia employee DeMarcus Coats at annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. Daisy’s mom, Lizzy Termorshuizen says “The best part of her day is when the city garbage truck turns around in her cul-de-sac.”

City of Columbia sewer and garbage trucks in line a the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. The event gave a chance for kids to see and learn more about the vehicles they see everyday.

City of Columbia sewer and garbage trucks in line a the annual Ton of Trucks event on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at the Columbia Mall parking lot in Columbia. The event gave a chance for kids to see and learn more about the vehicles they see everyday.