Hard Hat Hangout Returns to Aurora June 15

Eagle Country 99.3 will broadcast live from the event.

(Aurora, Ind.) – The Hard Hat Hangout has been a staple event in Aurora since 2017.

Aurora Utility Superintendent Randy Turner came up with the event seven years ago to highlight Call 811 Before You Dig.

Annually held on Father’s Day weekend, the Hard Hat Hangout is filled with equipment on display for kids and adults to look at up close and experience firsthand.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 15 from 9:00 AM to noon in the Aurora Lions Club and City of Aurora Parking Lots on Main Street.

Children 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, temporary tattoos, hot dogs and drinks all courtesy of Main Street Aurora, Aurora Utilities, Civista Charitable Foundation and Pat McGraw Excavating.

Adam Boyd, Aurora Utility Water Foreman and event co-organizer said in 2023, “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, the Civista Charitable Foundation, Paul Rohe, Pat McGraw, Woody Bucher, Aurora Lions Club, Bill Yelton and Clint Siekman.