8th Annual Hard Hat Hangout Takes Place June 14

Eagle Country 99.3 will broadcast live from the event.

(Aurora, Ind.) - The Hard Hat Hangout returns to downtown Aurora on Saturday, June 14. 

The fun-filled event runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Aurora Lions Club featuring plenty of equipment on display for kids and adult kids. Attendees can sit in the driver's seat and get the feel of a big rig as drivers and operators answer questions about their jobs. 

Children will receive hard hats, beach balls, construction ducks, wrist bands, and temporary tattoos. There will also be hot dogs and drinks courtesy of Main Street Aurora, Aurora Utilities and Pat McGraw Excavating. 

The idea for the Hard Hat Hangout lingered for many years in the back of Aurora Utility Superintendent Randy Turner's mind. In 2017, he approached Executive Director Nancy Fahey Turner and Board President Judy S. Hizer who both fell in love with his idea and the first "hangout", highlighting CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG, was held Father's Day Saturday 2017.

This year is the 8th year for the event, annually held on Father’s Day weekend,

Adam Boyd, Aurora Utility Water Foreman and event co-organizer said in 2024, “Saturday was a BIG HIT! Clint Siekman and I had a line for 3 hours straight, nonstop!” Boyd said children were 2 to 6 years old dumping sand from two Bobcats and felt there were well over 300 people in attendance. Main Street Aurora sponsors the event in partnership with Aurora Utilities, Aurora Fire Department, Paul Rohe, Pat McGraw, Woody Bucher, Aurora Lions Club, Bill Yelton and Clint Siekman are always willing to join in on the fun day of activities.