Kids had the chance to climb into the City of Red Deer’s giant snow maintenance equipment Saturday at the Snow and Ice Celebration.

Held at the Civic Yards, the festival gives residents an inside look at the Snow and Ice program which is responsible for clearing roads in the winter.

“The kids actually get to meet the operators. They are all by the equipment,” said Roads Superintendent of Public Works Doug Halldorson. “We all have many years under our belts. We have one guy, who runs a grader, who has been here for 35 years. So all kinds of experience. And they get to play in the vehicles too.”

Visitors also learned about the Snow Zone and how road maintenance crews clear the routes. They could sign up for Snow Zone Alerts with Notify Red Deer.

Winter crafts, activities, free hot chocolate and cookies were also available as well as the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.