Canberra’s Big Boys Toys Expo returns for 2016 this weekend, 20 and 21 August, and the event was officially launched today by ACT Chief Minister, Mr Andrew Barr MLA.
The Chief Minister boarded an ACT Rural Fire Service Heavy Tanker and was pulled over the official start line by local ‘Strongman’, Andrew Fraser. They were joined by many other expo exhibitors including hot rods, power karts, rally cars, off-road vehicles and a helicopter as a taste of what’s to come at Big Boys Toys.
“This weekend will be huge. This year’s expo will be presented over a 50% bigger area than last year, with many new attractions, two new pavilions and much more happening in EPIC’s outside areas,” said Big Boys Toys’ Director, Steve Rohan-Jones.
“It’s two days of highly interactive exhibits – plenty of tools, toys, sports and hobbies, and something for all the whole family. This year we’ve added the new ‘Technology and Remote Control’ and ‘Sports and Fitness’ pavilions, there’s the Robowars National Championships, Strongman Spectacular, planes, boats, motorbikes, cars, camping and leisure, boards and watercraft,” Steve continued.
Some proceeds from the expo are once again assisting charity partner, Menslink, who work to support the mental health of the boys and men of Canberra. Paul Vaughan, Canberra Raiders’ prop and local Canberra ‘big boy’ is the Menslink Ambassador for Big Boys Toys Expo 2016.
Menslink’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Fisk, said the charity hopes to build on the success of the 2015 event when they raised over $6000 to help expand their counselling practice to help meet the needs of young Canberra men and their families who really need it.
“Big Boys Toys is such an important event because not only is it a fun family event for the young and young at heart, but it also helps the critical needs in the community for young men to get through difficult times in their lives with the least amount of harm to themselves or those around them,” said Martin Fisk.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberrans and visitors should get ready for what will be a great fun family weekend – everyone from mums and dads, grandparents, kids, men and women, boys and girls – there’s something on offer for everyone.
Big Boys Toys Expo takes place this weekend, 20 and 21 August, at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Doors open 10am to 4pm each day. Some events such as Robowars are separately ticketed events. For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.bigboystoyscanberra.com.au