GREEN COVE SPRINGS – For any child, even those old enough to own a driver’s license, it didn’t get any better than Dig ‘N Dirt.

It was a chance to climb on heavy equipment, honk loud horns, learn how to operate a track hoe and, best of all, play in the dirt.

Presented by Clay Events, a new offshoot of the Clay County Fair Association, was a two-day event at the fairgrounds that featured construction equipment where hundreds of children explored, played and learned in an interactive environment.

There were hands-on activities, including family rides on power lifts, a sponge-filled dumpster where children could play, equipment for children to climb on, mazes constructed from Home Depot buckets, hard hats and vests provided by event sponsor Vallencourt Construction, and an opportunity for children to operate track hoes and grapplers.

There were magic shows, food, children’s building projects and games inside Exhibition Hall 2.

“We did this for two reasons,” said Clay County Agricultural Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder. “First, it’s an effort to generate more revenue because fairs keep getting more expensive, so we’re finding ways to bridge the gap.

“Secondly, we heard the community wanted more events, and we listened.”

Clay Events also operates Reel Fun Nights, a drive-in-like movie experience, at the fairgrounds. They also hosted The Great Purge and Splurge on Sept. 27-28. The market was a community-focused flea market and vendor event where everyone was invited to set up and sell a variety of items, including arts and crafts, farm goods, produce, antiques and more.

“We've got some plans for events in the future,” Hyder said.

With the threat of scattered showers all weekend, Clay Events juggled its plans and moved most of the displays and interactive activities under the giant roof of the Cattleman’s Arena.