Northern Light:
See equipment in action at the ‘Roadeo’

The heavy equipment used to maintain city utilities and improve city streets will be on display at the fourth annual Roadeo in Blaine on Friday, August 23.

Kids will have the opportunity to climb aboard a variety of equipment at the event, which will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. behind the Blaine public library at 610 3rd Street. 

All ages can attend the event for free. Children should be accompanied by an adult to ensure safety.

The event is being hosted by the Blaine Public Works Department. Donning hard hats and safety vests, department staff will display an excavator, loader, tractor, bucket truck, line truck and street sweeper. Staff will also demonstrate how to use the equipment.

“We’re going to make it a lot of fun for the kids in the community,” said Sam Castro, assistant public works director for the city of Blaine.

During the event, onlookers will have the chance to view an excavator demonstration. The public can also see how a thumper device finds faults in underground circuits by emitting clouds of dirt. Exhibits will also offer trivia, prizes and lessons on water and power conservation.

The event will also feature a water balloon toss, between staff perched up high in a bucket truck and kids down below. The water toss started at the first Roadeo and has become an ongoing tradition.

A goal of the event is to enable kids and the public to interact with public works staff, and to hopefully inspire youngsters to consider a career in public works.

To learn more about the Roadeo, call the public works department at 360/332-8820.