Jet City hosts Public Works equipment rodeo with citywide competition and national expo opportunity

The Cole County Commission is gearing up for an exciting community event, the Equipment Rodeo, set to take place on May 20, 2025. This friendly competition will feature teams from various city departments, including Jet City Public Works, Jet City Sewer, and Jet City Parks, as they showcase their skills in operating heavy machinery such as Bobcats and excavators.

The event promises to be both entertaining and educational, with participants engaging in a series of construction activities. Not only will there be team competitions, but individual scoring will also be implemented for each activity. The top performers will earn the chance to represent Cole County at the National Public Works Expo Equipment Rodeo in Chicago this August, supported by a stipend from the Missouri Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

In a twist to this year’s event, the county commission has extended a challenge to the city council, encouraging friendly rivalry among local leaders. The Equipment Rodeo will kick off at 9 AM and continue through lunch, with a proclamation ceremony scheduled around 11:30 AM.

This year’s rodeo aims to be a larger and more engaging event, thanks to new ideas brought in by recent city staff additions. The community is invited to join in the fun, with hopes that the event will strengthen ties between local government departments and foster a spirit of collaboration.

As the date approaches, residents can look forward to a day filled with competition, camaraderie, and community spirit, highlighting the importance of public works in Cole County.