Noblesville to hold Public Works Palooza on May 21

The Public Works Palooza is a great opportunity for children to interact with the public works personnel and equipment they already see on a daily basis. (Photo provided)

As part of National Public Works Week, Noblesville will show off the people, vehicles and equipment that get the various jobs around the city done. The Noblesville Public Works Palooza event is 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at Federal Hill Commons. In the event of rain, the event will be held on Wednesday, May 22.

“We had a great turnout last year to the inaugural fun, free event to connect with the community,” Mayor John Ditslear said. “The move to Federal Hill Commons will expand our event and provide more pieces of equipment for children to climb in and more resources for parents about various public works departments in our city.”

The community is invited to get a closer peek at the numerous public work jobs that the Noblesville streets, wastewater utilities, engineering and parks departments do for the city. The event will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults. More than 20 vehicles will be on display including a bucket truck, loader, dump truck, asphalt recycler, combo truck, mini excavator and a camera truck.

“We hope this event engages the community – especially our youngest members – and offers a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes to maintain the quality of life residents expect,” said Noblesville Street Commissioner Patty Johnson. “A lot of children see these trucks and equipment in their neighborhoods, this event allows our residents the opportunity to sit in and learn about the different vehicles and the professionals who operate them.”

Guests also can help “Paint a Plow” blade, walk across a 20-by-20-foot aerial watershed map of the city, and play with the Rec 2 Go van. Hot dogs, water and popcorn will be available for free at the event. New this year, the event will include child passports with information about the various city departments. Stations will have stamps and once completed, children can receive a goody bag before they leave. Kona Ice also will be on site selling frozen treats.

With the Indianapolis 500 race on May 26, Noblesville has incorporated the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” into the celebration. The Borg-Warner Trophy will be onsite for residents to take pictures with, but guests are asked not to touch the trophy. Noblesville residents Sarah Knight and Tori Chandler, who are 500 Festival Princesses, will be in attendance and guests also may take their photo with the “This is May, This is Noblesville” Indy Wings banner.

National Public Works Week is May 19 through 25 and honors those who work in the profession.