Families in Almonte, Ontario, can climb aboard fire trucks, excavators, and other big machines this Saturday, May 30, when Mega Machines Day returns to the Almonte Civitan Community Hall at 500 Almonte Street. The free, pay-what-you-can event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is organized by the Almonte Civitan Club with local construction company Shade Group.
Young attendees can get hands-on with heavy equipment including fire engines, tow trucks, and construction vehicles. The first hour, from 9 to 10 a.m., is a quiet hour with no sirens or horns for those who prefer a calmer environment.
Admission is pay what you can, and all donations support the club’s Accessible Family Playground Project. The initiative aims to raise between $800,000 and $900,000 for a fully barrier-free playground on the Civitan grounds, where the nearest similar facility is currently four hours away.
Parking is limited at the hall, but overflow parking is available at the John Levi Community Centre at 182 Bridge Street. A free shuttle will run about every 30 minutes between the community centre and the event.
Now in its 54th year of serving Mississippi Mills, the Almonte Civitan Club has long focused on projects for children and community well-being. Ron Terpstra, a 44-year member and chair of the playground project, said the idea grew from the club’s commitment to supporting kids of all abilities.
The event is expected to draw families from across the region eager to explore large vehicles and meet the operators who drive them.
