‘Truck Day’ to Take Place May 18 in Rockville

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting a free “Truck Day” event on Saturday, May 18, from 11am-3pm. The event will take place at the MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn, located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will kick off “Public Works Week” on Saturday, May 18, with a free, family friendly “Truck Day” event from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. The event will be held at the MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Truck Day invites members of the community to touch, climb and explore the many first-response, construction and transportation vehicles that keep the County running.

Truck Day will offer the opportunity for a hands-on experience with MCDOT vehicles including a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, with the chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. MCDOT Highway Services employees will be available to answer questions and share how their vehicles work and the role their vehicles serve.

“Truck Day is great way to introduce residents, and especially children, to local public works professionals and the important work they do to keep our community safe and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and visit Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This free, outdoor event is a lot of fun. MCDOT does an excellent job setting up interactive activities and kids love climbing into the trucks.”

As part of the event, MCDOT will showcase entries in the annual “Paint the Plow” contest. A total of 16 Montgomery County public middle schools will participate in a competition to name and decorate a snowplow. Attendees at Truck Day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite snowplow name and design. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive cash prizes for their schools. The popular snowplows are deployed across the region during snowstorms in the winter months.

“Public Works Week” is a nationally recognized week in May to honor essential workers. The American Public Works Association selected “Advancing Quality of Life for All” as the theme for the 2024 National Public Works Week. The theme emphasizes that public works professionals contribute to and enhance the quality of life in all the communities they proudly serve.

In addition to the Truck Day event, MCDOT will run a social media campaign to highlight MCDOT Division of Highway Services employees and the essential work they do. The campaign will spotlight employees through video content to highlight their contributions.

“MCDOT employees work around the clock to ensure public safety,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “They are often unseen, but they provide critical services during emergencies such as adverse weather such as snow, flooding, downed electrical lines and trees, and ensure essential workers can reach their destinations safely.”

To learn more about the “Paint the Plow” contest or other MCDOT-sponsored activities during “Public Works Week,” visit the Paint the Plow website.