Step up to ‘pet’ the big trucks

By Lethbridge Herald on May 24, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Big Truck Petting Zoo is back today at the Lethbridge Public Library Crossings Branch to give people an opportunity to interact with big machinery and City of Lethbridge vehicles. 

The free event is hosted in partnership with the City of Lethbridge and has been taking place since 2019. 

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to come and see the big trucks and meet the operators that keep the city running and in top shape, as well as seeing what the library has to offer,” says Sarah Head, manager of branch services with the Lethbridge Public Library.

The event usually  draws around 3,000 people and organizers are hoping to see just as many if not even more this year. 

“The event runs no matter what, rain or shine,” says Head. “Kids especially love the trucks and the construction vehicles as it is an opportunity for them to see them up close and safely.”

She says that because of the positive feedback they receive from the community about the event, they continue to host it year after year. 

“We hear a lot about community members looking for free activities to do with their families across the city, and how much they enjoy this event because of it, so we are happy to continue hosting it in partnership with the city.”

Those attending today can expect to see vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including excavators, emergency vehicles, bucket trucks and waste collection trucks, as they will be on display for the young and young-at-heart to see, touch and explore. 

City equipment operators, along with Lethbridge Transit, Lethbridge Police Service and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, will all be there to meet and greet attendees. 

“And of course the Book Mobile will be there, as well,” says Head. “We love to show off the book mobile and have people come on and see it. People can also sign out books from it, or they can go in the library and either grab or return books during the event.”

There will also be crafts that people can do while visiting the bookmobile, and inside the library there are books on big trucks on display for people to check out. 

“And when they go inside or visit the book mobile, we can make them a library card,” says Head. “They are free of charge and people can use them at both branches.” 

Anything signed out from both branches can be returned at either branch and the items will be sorted and returned where they belong. 

The petting zoo grounds will be in the north parking lot behind the library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and since parking around the venue is limited, Head is encouraging residents to either carpool.