Hard Hat Heroes – April 25, 2026

Hard Hat
Heroes

A free event where children with special needs get to climb in, buckle up, and operate real heavy machinery.

Date

April 25, 2026

Time

10am – 2pm

Location

Pelzer, SC

What Is Hard Hat Heroes?

A yearly event, partnered with Shriners Children's Hospital, giving patients and children with special needs the chance to do something extraordinary — explore, interact with, and actually operate heavy machinery.

🚜

Heavy Machinery

Excavators, bulldozers, track loaders, dump trucks, scissor lifts, and more. Kids sit in the seat and take the controls — for real.

🎉

Food & Activities

Live music, inflatables, face painting, a huge sandbox area, and great food from local vendors. There's something for every member of the family.

👨‍👩‍👧

The Whole Family

While the event serves children with special needs, the entire family is on the guest list. Come for a day of pure, unfiltered joy.

💛

Completely Free

Every dollar is funded by our generous community of sponsors. There is no cost to attend — just register and show up ready to have fun.

Everything You Need to Know

Who is invited?

Patients and families of Shriners Children's Hospital and children with special needs of any kind. The whole family is welcome — this event is private, but your family is on the guest list.

When is it?

Saturday, April 25, 2026
Gates open at 10:00am
Event wraps up at 2:00pm

Where is it?

436 Garrison Rd
Pelzer, SC 29669
Get Directions →

Questions?

Contact Emily
(864) 320-6463
emily@alexandergrading.com

How It Started

"We stumbled on a video of the Big Dig event in Phoenix. We were immediately convicted. We knew we needed to do something similar."

God took the wheel from there, and we just put in the sweat to make it happen. What started as a video that stopped us in our tracks has grown into an annual event that brings real joy to hundreds of children and families across the Upstate.

Every piece of machinery, every volunteer, every sponsor — it all comes together for one reason: the kids.

How You Can Help

Volunteer

This event is run entirely by people who show up to serve. We need hands on deck for equipment, guests, activities, and more. Join us — it's a day you won't forget.

Give

Hard Hat Heroes is completely funded by generous organizations and individuals in our community. Every dollar goes directly toward making this day possible for the children.

Donate Now

Thank You

This event is made possible entirely by the generosity of our sponsors. If your organization would like to get involved, reach out to Emily at emily@alexandergrading.com.