APWA Equipment Roadeo revs up in Newberry on Wednesday

A competitor on an excavator participates in one of the games.

The Equipment Roadeo will feature different competitions with utility equipment.

Courtesy JBPro

Key Points

The Santa Fe Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) is holding its annual Equipment Roadeo from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center (23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry).

The free event will bring skilled public works employees together from across Alachua County and the region to demonstrate their expertise and skills through various competitions. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and awards will be presented to the highest scores and fastest times in each category.

“This community event not only highlights the vital role public works personnel play in maintaining infrastructure but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie, competition, and professional development,” said John Gilreath in a press release from JBPro.

According to the release, participants will operate essential public works equipment in timed challenges, including the Mini Excavator Bowling Station, Loader Ball Barrel Station, Grapple Handling Challenge and Backhoe Softball Competition.

Each challenge is designed to test specific operator skill, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency and adherence to safety standards. At the Mini Bowling Station, participants will work to knock over numbered bowling pins by maneuvering a tetherball attached to a mini-excavator bucket.

Beard Equipment Company and John Deere are grand sponsors of the event. Proceeds from the sponsors will assist the APWA’s Santa Fe Branch in providing scholarships and professional development opportunities for agency members.

Courtesy APWE The Santa Fe Branch of the American Public Works Association

Founded in 1995, the APWA Santa Fe Branch was founded to support the advancement of public works professionals, according to the release. The organization meets bi-monthly, offering opportunities for education, networking and professional growth within the public works community.

The Santa Fe Branch serves 10 rural counties in Florida, including Alachua Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, Union and Marion counties.

For additional details or inquiries, contact Don Clifton at (352) 221 –5182, dclifton@alachuacounty.us, or clifton-don@levyocunty.org and John Gilreath at (352) 375-8999.