Diggers & Dumpers Event

The Erie County Technical School and several Industry Partners are
excited to announce the third year of "Diggers and Dumpers," a unique, hands-on experience designed
to introduce children to the world of heavy construction equipment. The community event will take
place on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Erie County Technical School,
located at 8500 Oliver Rd, Erie, PA. Friday, September 18, from 9am-2:00pm is the MS Field Trip day
with all the equipment and industry partners as well.
At the Saturday event of Diggers and Dumpers, kids and adults of any age will have the chance to get
behind the controls of a variety of heavy construction equipment. Under the guidance of experienced
operators, participants can dig, push, and move dirt with real machinery, giving them an unforgettable
experience and an up-close look at the exciting world of construction and heavy equipment operation.
The event also features a Heavy Equipment Rodeo at 10:00 AM, where seasoned operators will
showcase their skills by competing in a timed-obstacle course of Excavator Games – Tire Stack, Slalom,
Knock it Off, Dunk the Ball, and Around the World. This fun competition is open to the public to watch
and will provide unique insight into the expertise and precision required in heavy equipment operation.
Local equipment suppliers and contractors have generously contributed machinery and their expertise to
make this event a success. It's a great opportunity for families to explore the many facets of Heavy
Equipment use. Heavy Equipment is used in construction, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing,
with many government jobs in cities, townships, and more. Heavy Equipment and the people who
operate it are integral to the success of our communities and region.
Emily Chivers Yochim, former Director of Employee Development at Chivers Construction, highlights the
significance of the heavy civil construction industry in our community: "The heavy civil construction
industry is foundational to our daily lives. It provides the essential infrastructure we all depend on—
sewer and waterlines, bridges, road construction, and more. Not only does it make a significant impact
on our community by ensuring everything runs smoothly, but it also offers a wide range of jobs that
provide family-supporting wages. We hope this event inspires the next generation to see the
opportunities available in this vital field."

Chivers, Konzul, XL Excavating, Erie Water Works, and a dozen other industry partners, as well as Erie
County Technical School are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the construction industry
and the valuable roles within it. Diggers and Dumpers is designed to be a fun, educational event for kids
and families alike. There will be other entertainment as well with games, obstacle courses, sand boxes,
food trucks and concessions, and fun activities for children of all ages as well.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Erie County Technical School, 8500 Oliver Rd, Erie, PA
Highlights: Hands-on heavy equipment experience for kids, Equipment Rodeo at 10:00 AM
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the construction industry, see impressive
equipment in action, and support your local community!