Five years ago, Yellowstone County News launched a non-profit, fund-raising entity called, Yellowstone Family, and under that umbrella began the very first Dig It Days in Lockwood. Despite it being a windy, blustery day, there was amazing turn out with many volunteers pitching in to make it happen. Dig It Days was aimed at being a family fun, educational event, with static displays of big construction equipment, a huge sand pile in which kids could play, and backhoes and excavators which kids could operate.

There was something magical about it. Kids and Family loved it and it was a great start to Yellowstone Family’ goal of raising funds for community non-profits that support Family. Somewhat of a surprise, though, was how well it fit in with the construction industry’s vital need to introduce young people to the career opportunities in the industry. Sponsor numbers quickly rose from all quarters of the industry, as they put their all into it, to introduce kids to their world and to generate funds for scholarships through Build Montana.

It has grown every year since. It is amazing how much kids love it. A common sight at Dig It Days is parents having to quite literally drag their kids away from the sand pile, after one or even two hours of play. They are carried away crying wanting to continue to play. And, gratitude is profusely expressed to sponsors and volunteers by parents and grandparents.

The next year, Dig It Days was invited to be a part of Montana Fair, and attendance has increased and so has the number of sponsors. While it’s hard to tell for sure, there was easily between 4,000 and 5,000 people – young ones and older ones – who attended this year, and there was a record 37 sponsors.

Special this year was the generous offer by Montana Fair for free entry tickets to the fair that were available at sponsor locations.

As the size and scope of the event has increased so has the importance of volunteers, and many of them come from the companies – equipment dealers, construction companies, material and equipment providers, colleges, mines, utility companies, etc.— who are sponsors.

Recognized for their dedicated support of Dig It Days this year were Dave Mills of Tri-State Truck and Euipment; Tina Beach of CHS Refinery, Dan Peterson and Andra Burnham.

While contributions are made to scholarships for the building trades, others recipients  of donations have been added to the list, including Yellowstone County Boys and Girls Club, Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, Veteran’s Navigation Network, and a search continues for other worthy recipients.

Kids have an opportunity to win toy prizes. Also, each year more opportunity is given for young people to win cash to help contribute to their future education and training. A special drawing is held specifically for young people between the ages of 14 and 22. And, everyone has an opportunity for cash prizes if they visit every booth.

But perhaps the biggest joy for sponsors and producers is being able to now encounter young people who two or three years ago were able to get jobs in the construction industry and to find out that they are loving their new careers. Probably one of the greatest benefits of Dig It Days is the opportunity that attendees have to meet the owners of businesses and potential employers in the construction industry. Dig It Days is a mecca of opportunity.

New this year included a ride in a haul truck provided by Tri-State Truck & Equipment which kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed. Arnold Machinery brought a simulator for kids and adults to operate and learn about. More cash prizes were offered this year.

One of the most popular events at Dig It Days is the Big Dig Contest, among the backhoe /excavator operators, in which they compete to determine who can move the fastest , at least three of four eggs, by  spoons attached to a tooth of their bucket, without breaking them.

The competition was very close this year so tied second place winners also received cash awards. First place winner was Tyrel Twitchell, a Build Montana graduate, who won $400. Tied for second place was Travis Sutherland with Askin Construction and Clayton Naillon with CHS Refinery in Laurel. Both won $100.

Two of the young people who won $200 for future training and education were Tayon Hoff and Natalie Mason.

Each day of the two-day event, visitors who visited all the booths, were entered into drawings in which four won $50. Winners were:

* Jennette Rasch

* Dylan Burns

* Beau Sundheim

* Luke Syphend

* Ares Parkins

* Jack + Elliot + Carlson

* Cheyenne Lawson

* Nick Laferre

Another contest was a photo contest featured on Facebook, prior to Dig It Days. Winning $200 each in that contest were Laura Fries of Billings and Charey Harney of Billings.