For anyone who has ever wondered what the inside of a front-end loader looks like, the second annual Dozer Day will be rolling through Ocala, FL, on Saturday, April 24, at the Ritchie Bros. auction site located directly behind Ring Power on North Highway 441.

Sponsored by Palm Chevrolet and presented by Children’s Home Society and the Marion County Roadbuilders Association, Dozer Day provides the opportunity for people of all ages to get up close to, or ride in, large and powerful construction equipment, military vehicles and fire engines.

For $5 per person at the gate and $1 per person ride fee, participants can watch demonstrations of various types of heavy equipment used in construction and military.

Machines include backhoes, front-end loaders, wheel loaders, excavators, tanks and helicopters.

The Florida National Guard will display modern-day tanks and hummers used in combat, while the Sons of the Confederacy will be demonstrating a Civil War encampment that will include the blasting of a cannon.

The Division of Forestry will demonstrate an emergency water drop using techniques similar to those used to extinguish and prevent forest fires.

Additionally, visitors can look forward to demonstrations by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, including bicycle and helmet safety, and displays from the K-9 units. Other activities and attractions include a sandbox “treasure” dig, Dozer Day clowns, face painting and hayrides.

Marcie Bailey, Dozer Day event co-chair, said she is excited about Dozer Day because it directly benefits children in Marion County.

“This event is an important part of our community and it really does help make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children,” she said. “During 2002, 2,568 children were reported abused or neglected here in Marion County, and those are the cases we know about.”

Proceeds from Dozer Day directly benefit Children’s Home Society’s child abuse and intervention programs in Marion County.

For more information, call 352/620-3474 ext. 319 or visit www.DozerDayFlorida.com.

Today's top stories

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

NAPA Urges Drivers to 'Watch For Us' During National Work Zone Awareness Week

Landscapers, Contractors, Dealers Can 'Test Before They Invest' in Equipment in Equip Expo's 30-Acre Outdoor Demo Yard

Terex Utilities Announces Availability of TL45 On Mini Tracked Carrier for Lifting in Restricted Access Job Sites

Arizona Chip Factory Will Expand With $6B in New Funds

John Deere Launches Nationwide Search for First-Ever Chief Tractor Officer

UDOT to Implement Digital Construction Technology

New $140M Biogas Facility for SacSewer Coming to Sacramento