Rigs 4 Kidz: Where Mojave’s Community Comes to Life
An Idea That Turned Into a Town-Wide Celebration
Rigs 4 Kidz began with a simple idea from Mojave Elks Lodge #2059 member Travis Behrens, currently serving as our Lecturing Knight: What if children could step inside the very vehicles that keep our town running?
That idea became reality on Saturday, February 7, when the Veterans Building in Mojave transformed into a hands-on experience filled with engines, flashing lights, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder.
What started as a vision quickly became a powerful day of connection between families and the service professionals who support Kern County every day.
Rigs 4 Kidz - More Than Just Trucks
From the moment the first horn sounded, it was clear this was more than a vehicle display. Children weren’t just looking at big rigs—they were climbing inside them, sitting in the driver’s seats, turning steering wheels, asking questions, and imagining what it might feel like to do that job someday.
The lineup included:
• Waste Management trucks
• Department of Water & Power vehicles
• Caltrans equipment
• UPS delivery trucks
• California Highway Patrol units
• Kern County Sheriff patrol cars
• Kern County Fire engines
• Hall Ambulance paramedic units
Each vehicle brought its own energy and its own story. Operators patiently answered questions, demonstrated equipment, and gave kids a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these machines serve Mojave.
Community at Every Table
While the vehicles drew attention, the heart of the event stretched far beyond the parking area.
Mojave Elks Lodge #2059, the local library, and other community organizations set up booths offering books, activity materials, safety information, and giveaways. Mini construction hats, stickers, and reading materials found their way into eager hands.
Families lingered. Conversations happened. Connections were made.
This is what community looks like when it’s intentional.
Rigs 4 Kidz – A Day for the Community
A Real-Time Reminder of Service
Near the end of the event, the tone briefly shifted when Kern County Fire Station 14 and Hall Ambulance were dispatched to assist with a vehicle in a ditch nearby.
In that moment, the purpose of Rigs 4 Kidz became even clearer.
The trucks on display aren’t props. They are tools used by real people who respond when our community needs them most. Watching those crews leave to answer a call reinforced the value of building trust and familiarity between families and first responders.
Why Rigs 4 Kidz Matters
At Mojave Elks Lodge #2059, our mission centers on service, youth support, and strengthening our community.
Rigs 4 Kidz embodies all three.
It introduces children to career possibilities.
It builds positive relationships with law enforcement and emergency responders.
It creates a safe, welcoming space for families to gather.
It demonstrates what happens when local organizations work together.
The feedback from attendees made one thing certain: this event resonated.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Plans are already underway to bring Rigs 4 Kidz back next February 2027. What began as a single event is quickly becoming a tradition Mojave families can look forward to each year.
Mojave Elks Lodge #2059 remains committed to expanding the experience, welcoming additional partners, and continuing to invest in the next generation.
Get Involved
Would you like to participate as a vehicle sponsor, volunteer, or community partner for 2027?
Are you interested in joining Mojave Elks Lodge #2059 and helping create events that strengthen Mojave families?
We invite you to connect with us and be part of something that brings our town together.