The LHC gravel pit northwest of Kalispell became a giant sandbox for many Flathead Valley children on Saturday.

About 400 children and adults put down their Tonka toys and tried the real thing at Gravelpalooza, a fundraiser for Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana. 

Children — with the help of trained professionals — got to drive bulldozers, front-end loaders, excavators, pavers and other heavy equipment.

“There are a lot of excited kids. They love it. They just love it,”  LHC Inc. owner Jeff Claridge said.

“And the adults love it, too,” he added as he watched a father lead his son to a Caterpillar excavator.

Between LHC, Parson Tractor, Montana CAD and Western States, Claridge figured the children had about 20 pieces of heavy equipment to play with.

“I saw so many smiles. The kids had a great time,” said Jane Nolan of Community Action Partnership. “I also had a lot of adults tell me that they got up on the machines and gave it a try. I think everybody enjoys heavy equipment and playing in the dirt.”

Nolan said the fundraiser was such a success that the partnership is planning another one next summer.

The organization was formed in 1975 and serves Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. According to its website, Community Action Partnership provides services and advocacy to improve lives and strengthen  communities.  

Reporter Aaric Bryan may be reached at 758-4446 or by email at abryan@dailyinterlake.com.