The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is ringing in National Public Works Week with its Truck Day event on May 20 at the MCDOT Depot and Salt Barn in Gaithersburg. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week during the third full week of May. The week is meant to educate individuals about the importance of public works and infrastructure in improving everyday life, according to the American Public Works Association website.
This year the national theme for the week is “Connecting the World Through Public Works” and it will run from May 21-27.
MCDOT is holding Truck Day to start the week with a free opportunity for community members to explore vehicles essential to county operations. There will be a MCDOT bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck and bus available to climb and get firsthand experience with.
Additionally, the event will include a fire engine and other first responder vehicles with the chance to meet those who work with them. MCDOT highway services will also be present to discuss the use and roles of their vehicles while answering any questions.
Entries from the second annual “Paint the Plow” contest for middle schools will be displayed for Truck Day visitors to vote on as well. The contest asks middle school students to name and decorate snowplows that are then assessed for uniqueness, creativity and neatness.
Registration for the “Paint the Plow” contest is open for schools until 5 p.m. on May 10. MCDOT will drop off a plow and paint, giving each group of students one school week to complete their masterpiece. Aside from a cash prize for the top three schools, popular snow plows will be put to use across the county during winter storms.
To continue celebrating the week online, MCDOT is launching a campaign on social media using videos to emphasize the work of essential MCDOT Division of Highway Services employees.
Featured photo of last year’s third place “Paint the Plow” winner courtesy of MCDOT.
