A rodeo is coming to town – one that does not involve horses or cows.
This one involves heavy machinery and it will be open to anyone who has dreamed of operating a piece of construction equipment.
The IUOE Local 115 Annual Equipment Rodeo will allow for people to sit at the controls of equipment like an excavator or a backhoe.
“We know kids, and even their parents, have a huge fascination with the equipment our members operate every single day,” said Bryan Railton, business manager for IUOE 115.
“And that’s the vision behind the Equipment Rodeo. We want people to have the chance to get behind the controls and see what it’s really like,” he explained.
Railton noted that every year there are big crowds at the event, which, he said, is a testament to the interest in construction and the work operating engineers do to build infrastructure across the province.
The IUOE Training Association trains the next generation of highly skilled operating engineers and has the very latest in state-of-the-art construction equipment.
Just being on site will give the public a glimpse into the everyday work IUOE 115 members do.
“Seeing the looks on kids’ faces when they get into the operator’s seat or into a simulator and get a chance to touch the controls, that brings a lot of joy to all of us here at the union,” Railton said.
The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at 13401 256 St., Maple Ridge.
Since 1931, IUOE Local 115 has helped to build some of the most important infrastructure in B.C..
More than 14,000 of their members work in high-altitude or high-risk environments, including: mechanics, road builders, crane and heavy equipment operators, and dam builders.
“We hope to see big crowds out enjoying themselves this weekend,” said Railton.