EXETER – Mud bogging, a popular motorsport where competitors race through mud pits, isn’t new to Exeter.But organizers of a May 28 event want to bring the sport to town on a bigger way, potentially creating an annual tradition on par with the Exeter Rodeo.
Dubbed “South Huron Mud Bogg’n 2011,” the event will allow ATV and utility vehicle owners to race through mud pits at Country Corners Rent-All and neighbouring property, at the south end of Exeter.
Participants will be divided into 10 different classes, with winners decided either by the distance travelled through a pit, or the time they take to make it through.
A partnership of Country Corners Rent-All and the Municipality of South Huron, the event will also serve as this year’s major fundraiser for the MainStreets Exeter downtown revitalization project.
Country Corners hosted a similar event in 2009 – a cancer fundraiser in memory of Mike Lightfoot that was well-attended.
South Huron Mud Bogg’n 2011 will run all day, with vendors opening at around 8 a.m. according to Peter Armstrong, chairperson of the MainStreets Exeter promotion committee.
ATV dealers and food vendors are expected to be on hand, and races are slated to run from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are plans to have a shuttle bus running hourly from Mud Bogg’n to downtown Exeter, where spectators can shop or dine.
Organizers hope to park the shuttle at the Exeter Parkette, where it’s expected Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron will hold a fundraising barbecue.
Registrants for Mudd Bogg’n 2011 include those from as far away as Hamilton and Dunnville, according to Armstrong.
“People are coming a distance just to have the opportunity to play in the mud for a day,” he said.
Those participating must provide their own ATV or utility vehicle, and the hope is Mudd Bogg’n will become an annual event.
“We expect this to snowball into quite a large event year after year,” Armstrong said.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to help out, offering free admission and a free T-shirt as compensation.
Those interested can contact Mark Cassidy at MainStreets Exeter. Vendor space is still available, and registration for mud bogging itself was still open at press time.
For more information, visit http://www.mudboggn.com
