One of the unfortunate downsides of the COVID-19 pandemic is limitations on the size of public gatherings. Washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance are all important things we can do to limit the spread of the virus, but not gathering in large crowds is just as important.
Unfortunately, this means fabulous events like Airdrie Public Library’s (APL) Mighty Machines Day must be adapt.
Last year’s event saw more than 800 people stop by the library to see big machines. Hundreds of children were thrilled by EMS, RCMP, a bucket truck, a grain truck, a tractor, an Airdrie Transit bus, an ice resurfacer, a firetruck, a grader, a mini street sweeper, the Canadian Military Tribute truck, classic cars, drones, food trucks and even our own cute little APL van.
Supported once again by a generous donation from BrokerLink Insurance, Mighty Machines is going virtual this year and will run from July 6 to Aug. 15.
Every week, with amazing help from local businesses and organizations including FortisAlberta, Airdrie Fire Department and the City of Airdrie, look for videos on airdriepubliclibrary.ca celebrating all those big machines things that do the hard work that makes our neighbourhoods, city and province a great place to live.
Gilbert the Reading Fish – who isn’t very big at all – was feeling left out, so we thought of a way to get him in on the fun.
While watching the videos, look for an image of Gilbert on the machines. When you spot him, submit where you saw him to our website by August 15 for a chance to win a Mighty Machines prize pack.
In other news, you may have noticed APL' s building is open. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note the first hour on weekdays is reserved for seniors and other vulnerable patrons.
