TOMPKINS — The Village of Tompkins is gearing up to get dirty for a good cause.
On Aug. 3, the inaugural Mud Bog fundraiser will be held to benefit the Tompkins skating rink and community hall.
Although mud bogging is a relatively new phenomenon in Southwest Saskatchewan, it's a popular form of off-road racing in various parts of Canada and the United States. The sport involves 4x4 trucks racing each other in mud pits, with the fastest truck winning.
The Mud Bog fundraiser in Tompkins promises to be an exciting event with a wide range of activities. I had the chance to speak with Evan Wedrick, one of the main organizers, to learn more about what's in store.
The mud bog will be held just outside the Tompkins skating rink, which is conveniently located near the Number 1 highway. According to Evan, the event will feature different classes for trucks, including stock, pro-stock, modified, and open. These classes are determined by how the trucks are built, and the rules and regulations will be based on those set by the Chinook Mud Bogging Association, which is based in Alberta.
The entry fee for the event is $60 per driver, with a double-elimination format that allows drivers to lose up to twice before being eliminated. With an expected 20 entries, there could be a payout of up to $600 per class. Spectators can also get in on the action by participating in a "Calcutta" fundraiser auction, based on how well they think a driver will perform. This concept, commonly used in curling, is designed to increase audience participation and engagement.
For those who prefer to sit back and watch, remember to bring your $10 for admission to get in and a lawn chair to sit in, for this wild family fun event. As Evan puts it, "I think it's going to be a lot of fun. It's pretty entertaining to watch," smiled Evan.
For more information or to get involved, you can contact Evan Wedrick at 1-306-672-0113 or Ethan Wickstrom at 1-306-671-0067. Truck entrants are advised to check out the rules and regulations on the Chinook Mud Bogging Association's website before the event.
