Riding High: 6,000 at ‘Meet the Machines’

With a massive climbining wall and aerial boom lift rides, there were plenty of opportunities for "natural highs" for the more than 6,000 people who attended the seventh annual "Meet the Machines." The event, held Saturday, May 21 this year, is a free, family. Since its inception, the event has hosted over 36,000 attendees.

"Our objective is to introduce kids and their parents to the construction industry and maybe get the kids to begin thinking of construction as a career," said A.J. Ford, vice president of marketing for Budrovich Contracting, which spearheads and hosts the event at its headquarters in an old South County quarry.

Other sponsors are In partnership with McCarthy Building Companies, MC Industrial, Midwest Aerials & Equipment, Luby Equipment, Schnucks Markets, Guarantee Electric Company, and Helitech.

The first 2,000 kids received a Meet the Machines hard hat and other giveaways. Annually the event showcases interactive, hands-on elements with various aspects related to the construction industry. Children and adults, alike, had the opportunity to climb aboard and explore giant excavation and hoisting machinery. Additionally, visitors participate in educational activities such as "digging" for prizes or operating a crane via a training simulator. There were opportunities to operate some of the equipment, ride in aerial lifts, play games using industrial switches, and climb on police and fire rescue equipment.

There were games and prizes, face painting and opportunities to get pictures taken with local sports team mascots, other local celebrities and, of course, the heavy machinery itself. The event was free to the public. Food and beverages were available to attendees at a minimal cost.

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