O'Fallon Hosts Free Public Works Fair on Wednesday

The hosts its seventh annual Public Works Fair, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at the west on the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard.

Kids will be able to sit in the driver’s seat on some of the big machinery the City of O’Fallon uses to keep the city’s streets and water and sewer mains in good repair, deliver city services like trash and recycling collection and check their ball-pitching speed at the radar trailer. Admission, parking and activities are free.

The event commemorates National Public Works Week May 20-26. Free activities include:

• Free city train rides for all ages
• Giveaways, free hot dogs, chips, soda and water
• Safety awareness games and activities for kids
• Educational material for adults
• A variety of big equipment on display

 A list of some of the equipment that will be displayed:

• Combination Sewer-Cleaning Machine/Easement Machine – Used to clear debris blocking sanitary sewer lines.
• Wheel Saw – The 48” saw blade is used for cutting concrete.
• TV Grout and Seal Truck – Equipped with a mobile video camera for inspecting sewer line interiors, plus equipment for pressure-testing joints and repairing leaks.
• Water Main Break Service Truck – Carries all the equipment needed to respond to a water main break
• Water System Model – Used to demonstrate the basics of a municipal water system; visitors can watch a model of a water tower fill up and distribute water to a house.
• Radar Trailer – A digital display shows the speed of oncoming vehicles; kids can check how fast they can throw a ball
• Wing Plow – A second plow blade mounted on the side of a snowplow so that two lanes can be plowed at once
• Environmental Services Truck – Used to collect trash and recyclable materials. Roscoe, O’Fallon’s recycling mascot, will make an appearance, as well
• Traffic Signals – City staff uses the signals in a game that helps teach children traffic safety.
• Backhoe and Track Hoe – Used for excavating, carrying and loading materials, backhoes are equipped with four wheels for mobility, while track hoes move on rubber tracks like a military tank.
• Street sweeper, mini-excavator, bucket truck and crane.