The Town of Coaldale is rolling out the heavy machinery again for its annual Big Equipment Petting Zoo this Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coaldale Sportsplex parking lot at 1213 20 Avenue. The free, no-registration event lets kids and adults get up close with the big rigs and gear that keep the community running, from garbage trucks to graders.
According to the Town of Coaldale, 14 organizations will bring equipment to explore. That includes the town’s own public works, utilities, and parks crews, plus emergency services like the Coaldale Fire Department and Community Peace Officers. The fire department will also put on a Jaws of Life demonstration. Outside partners such as ATCO, Fortis Alberta, and the Canadian Armed Forces are sending vehicles too.
The free BBQ is once again sponsored by Dennis’ Dirtworx Ltd., a homegrown excavation company started by Dennis Overweg in 2009 with a single mini-hoe. Since then, the outfit has grown into a fleet of more than 80 excavators, 50 semi-truck units, 24 dozers, and 50 rock trucks, employing over 250 people.
Young attendees can also grab free popcorn and temporary tattoos from the Youth Do Crew, while the Coaldale Public Library runs games and activities on site. The event evolved from the Big Truck Petting Zoo held in 2024 and has since become a staple on the town’s early-summer calendar.
With no admission fee and no need to sign up, organizers encourage families to simply show up and spend a few hours climbing into cabs, meeting the operators, and learning how the machinery shapes daily life in Coaldale.
