The City of Winder’s Gas Department team was runner-up at the 3rd Annual GMA Gas Rodeo during the Georgia Municipal Association's Annual Pipeline Safety Seminar held April 8 at the Macon Marriott City Center.

Competing against municipal gas teams from across the state, Winder's team —Blake Hawkins Micah Mercardante— won one event, and got second in two of the four events. Lawrenceville was named overall champion. 

The rodeo featured four technical events, judged on speed and accuracy:

• Meter Set: Winder won first place by assembling a full gas meter set.
• Pump & Pig: The team received second place by assembling a pump-up stand, inserting a soft pig into a gas pipe, and accurately shooting it toward a target.
• 2" Pipe Squeeze: The team also captured second place in this event by expertly stopping the air flow in a gas pipe, causing a suspended ping-pong ball to drop and stop the clock.
• Mini Excavator Ball Drop: In this event, teams skillfully pick up three different-sized balls (softball, soccer ball, basketball) with a mini excavator and drop them into progressively smaller buckets.

The GMA Gas Rodeo highlights the critical skills and precision required of municipal gas system crews. The event is part of the GMA Annual Pipeline Safety Seminar, which is held the first week of April each year.

Winder's strong performance is a testament to the team’s training, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.