BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Three Berkeley County public works employees are set to unleash their inner “cowboy” at the upcoming American Public Works Association (APWA) backhoe rodeo in Georgetown.
Berkeley County got down to the gritty business of backhoes and bragging rights during its annual backhoe rodeo competition on April 24—an in-house tradition that pits the county’s most skilled heavy equipment operators against a gauntlet of timed challenges and precision tasks.
This year’s dirt-slinging showdown featured employees from the roads and bridges and water & sanitation departments, each competing through a series of three obstacles. Operators were judged not just on speed but on finesse, with the top five from the first two rounds advancing to a final face-off.
The top three finishers—Cody Elkins, Dillan Cales, and Will Beaty, all from roads & bridges—earned their golden tickets to represent Berkeley County at the APWA Regional Rodeo in Georgetown.
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In a fresh twist, this year also introduced a motor grader rodeo, offering six participants a chance to flex their blade-running skills across two new obstacles. Though not tied to a regional competition, the motor grader event still stirred up plenty of excitement. Will Beaty continued his winning streak by nabbing 1st place, with Ethan Chambers and Mike Conlin rounding out the top three.
The rodeo course itself was no walk in the (construction) park. It was designed and built by Chuck Chears, Stormwater/Roads and Bridges Maintenance Coordinator, and his crew. Blanchard CAT generously provided the backhoe and lunch—proving that nothing fuels fierce competition like heavy machinery and a good sandwich.
With talent, teamwork, and a little bit of turf torn up in the name of pride, Berkeley County’s Backhoe Rodeo was once again a resounding success. Next stop: Georgetown.
