Everybody Loves a Block Party!

It's hard to think of a more fun way to spend the day if you're a kid than bouncing in inflatable bounce houses, exploring and climbing on more than 10 big vehicles and trucks, sliding down giant slides, and challenging yourself to a seven-element obstacle course.

That's why these and other activities will make up the always-popular Kids Block Party and Touch-a-Truck event coming on up Aug. 18 at the St. Charles Convention Center. The event is free and open to all.

The indoor and outdoor event will feature a fire truck, crane, armored tactical vehicle, a gymnastics bus, Gus, Gus the Fun Bus, an Army cargo truck and a variety of large vehicle from the St. Charles City Public Works Department.

"The Touch-a-Truck component was a great addition to last year's event, said Joe Capatanelli, marketing manager at the St. Charles Convention Center. "We have put an emphasis on really enhancing this component of the event this year because it was such a hit. We expect to have over 10 of kids' favorite trucks for them to interact with."

As in years past, the Kids Block Party will continue to feature all sorts of inflatable activities, including a dual slide, a seven-element obstacle course, and two bounce houses. Additional activities will be provided bu the St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department, River City Robots, St. Louis Children's Hospital and other local businesses.

Moms, you can even get some shopping in because the Recycled Kids Consignment sale is going on during the block party in an adjacent exhibit hall.

The Kids Block Party and Touch-a-Truck event will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Admission for all ages is free, and activities are geared to kids ages 3 to 11.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com