Andover's youngest residents will get to climb aboard real fire engines, police cars, and Public Works trucks on Thursday, August 6, at Old Shawsheen School — but families hoping to register may be out of luck.

Registration is full.

The Andover Recreation Department's Community Helpers Truck Day, the final event in its 2026 Preschool Summer Events series, was already showing at capacity on the department's registration page as of Saturday, August 1. The event costs $5 for Andover residents and $10 for non-residents.

Scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. at 18 Magnolia Avenue, the hour-long program invites children ages 1 through 6 to explore the vehicles up close and meet the firefighters, officers, and public works staff who operate them, according to the town's event listing. Arts and crafts round out the morning.

The event is a collaboration between the Recreation Department, the Andover Fire Department, Andover Police Department, and Andover Department of Public Works. Preschool Coordinator Rachael Longo oversees the series, which earlier this summer included Farm Day, a musical performance by Matt Heaton, and Olympic Carnival Day.

Recreation programming at Old Shawsheen has drawn 10,000 participants and netted $50,000 after building improvements, according to a June 29 Select Board meeting. Deputy Town Manager Mike Lindstrom told the board the department's unique programming has proven popular. The building is being used on a short-term basis while the town gathers community input on its long-term future.

Families with questions about availability or a possible waitlist can contact Recreation Director Joe Connelly's office at (978) 623-8340 or [email protected].

More this week in Andover

  • Wednesday, August 5: Concerts in the Park, 5:30–7:30 p.m., The Park at Chestnut and Bartlet streets. Free. Live music, mini golf, face painting, and food from Oak and Iron Brewery, Marble Ridge Winery, and local food trucks.
  • Wednesday, August 5: Pomps Pond Children Performances featuring Good Pickin' Farm, 10–11 a.m., 147 Abbot Street. Free.
  • Tuesday, August 11: Free Downtown Moovie, 7–9 p.m., behind Old Town Hall, 20 Main Street. Sponsored by the Andover Chamber of Commerce. Bring chairs.
  • Wednesday, August 12: Pomps Pond Children Performances season finale with Master Storyteller Todd Goodwin, 10–11 a.m., 147 Abbot Street. Free.