Public works crews from across the Gulf Coast will put their heavy equipment skills to the test Sept. 25 when Foley hosts the Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment “Roadeo” at OWA Parks and Resort.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free. OWA is sponsoring the event.

More than 20 cities and other agencies have registered to participate in the event.

The Roadeo will feature a series of challenges designed to test participants’ accuracy, control and technical ability while operating the heavy equipment they use in their daily work.

Competitions will include mini-excavators, bulldozers, excavators and skid steers. Skid steers are small tracked vehicles equipped with blades similar to those found on forklifts.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the event gives public works employees an opportunity to showcase skills that often go unnoticed by the public.

"It's something that gives all the public employees a real sense of pride," Hellmich said. "They don't always get a lot of public recognition in their jobs and this is a chance to get together and show what they can do."

In addition to competitions between public works crews, several mayors are scheduled to participate in a special competition during the event.

The event also will feature live music from Chitlin Switch and food sales. Proceeds from lunch food sales will benefit Youth Reach Gulf Coast.

The Roadeo is designed to give local public works crews a chance to compete for bragging rights while highlighting the equipment skills they use to serve their communities.