Bigger & Better: The Big Dig Returns To The Boone Co. Fairgrounds This Weekend

Eagle Country 99.3 will be giving away tickets to the Big Dig on Thursday, but tickets are available now.

(Burlington, Ky.) – Scoop, dig, lift and push to your heart’s content.

The Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky will host their 2nd Annual Big Dig on Saturday, April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Boone County Fairgrounds on Idlewild Road in Burlington.

The inaugural event last spring saw nearly 6,000 people come through the gates at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Event organizer Brian Miller told Eagle Country 99.3 on Wednesday that changes have been made this year to accommodate large crowds.

HEAR BRIAN MILLER'S INTERVIEW WITH EAGLE COUNTRY 99.3'S BUBBA BO IN THE AUDIO PLAYER BELOW

Just like last year, visitors will have the opportunity to operate heavy equipment in a safe and secure setting under the supervision of trained professionals.

However, Miller says the amount of machinery on site has increased to the 15 or 20 range, up from 10 machines a year ago. Ride times will also be limited to two minutes in attempt to give every visitor a chance to experience any and all machines at the event.

Additional attractions will include the St. Elizabeth helicopter and the Kentucky National Guard, who is expected to bring a Humvee, bucket truck and panel trucks.

Miller encourages visitors to purchase tickets and fill out waivers online in advance of the event to reduce wait times at the gates. 

Cost is $10 per person. Children ages 3 and under get in free.

“It’s a fun thing to do, it’s great for kids, it’s great for families, but at the core of this we are really trying to work to change the hearts and minds of people to beef up our construction workforce,” said Miller.

Miller added that there is a massive shortage in construction workers and that this event was created to get kids interested in construction.

In addition, Miller says construction workers can earn close to $70,000 a year without college debt.

For more information on the Big Dig or to purchase tickets, visit https://bigdignky.com.