The Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s largest community event, Construction Junction, is back on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering families free access to construction equipment, safety demonstrations and activities at the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds.
- This event, now in its 23rd year, is a joint effort between law enforcement, civilian, and military organizations and has become a community tradition that continues to grow year after year.
The event started with the idea of showcasing large, heavy equipment or trucks from policing, SWAT vehicles, fire trucks, and vehicles from public works, to engage the children in the community. The event also provides an opportunity for the community to engage with various law enforcement agencies and other nonprofits.
The event showcases:
- Military vehicles
- Police vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Dump tucks
- Helicopters
- Fire trucks
- K-9 demonstrations
- Construction equipment displays
There will also be a live DJ, bounce houses, and free food and beverages served all day for all guests. Construction Junction is a completely free event, and all are invited to attend.
This year’s event will also feature Home Depot’s “kids crew” providing hands-on building kits and a sand mountain for digging. The Police Department has designated the first hour as sensory-friendly to accommodate children with special needs.
Organizers have implemented a new hourly raffle system to improve the visitor experience. Families will receive one raffle ticket upon entering, which will be eligible for two prize drawings held at 50 minutes past each hour, beginning at 10:50 a.m.
- “This way of doing it removes the old way of things where some guests would wait all four hours hoping to win something,” according to event rules provided by the department.
The raffle system allows families to know within an hour whether they’ve won, eliminating the need to stay for the entire event just for prize announcements.
So mark your calendars for April 12 and head to the NWF Fairgrounds located at 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
