Proceeds from Florence mud run will go toward Labor Day

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN STAFF
It may be 11 months away, but the Florence Labor Day Committee is already preparing for their next event.



On Saturday, Oct. 21, they will be hosting the “Last Chance” mud run. Labor Day Chairman Scott Zogelman would like to invite everyone to “come see what all the hoopla is about.”



“There has been a lot of publicity in the papers about mud runs recently, not specifically about the one we are having, but others in the county,” he said. “Mud runs are good family entertainment. We had a lot of first-time spectators at our Labor Day run. Many of them commented on how much they enjoyed it. I don’t think they really thought they would but came out of curiosity and were glad they did.”



For those not familiar with a mud run, it involves a pit 200 feet long by 15 feet wide and three feet deep with two feet of mud added back in.



“Boggers” have a cable attached to their 4×4 vehicles. They then attempt to navigate their way through the pit to the finish line. For those who don’t make it to the other end, the cable is attached to a tractor to pull them back to dry land.



Mud Run coordinator Travis Parmley said, “We have made some changes to the pit since Labor Day. It was just too fast. It’s going to be a little tougher this time.”



Janette Parmley of the Labor Day Committee has been contacting area businesses and organizations for sponsorships of the run. The money is used to increase the prize money for each class, which will entice more drivers to come and will hopefully bring more spectators and help raise more money for the Labor Day Committee, Zogelman said.



So far, she has signed up more than 50 sponsors for the event. Each sponsor will have a sign prominently displayed with their information on it.



The “Last Chance” mud run is so named because it is the final CMBA (Central Mud Boggers Association) event of the season. The CMBA sanctions the event or in other words keeps track of the points the drivers earn but The Labor Day Committee is the one actually sponsoring the event and are the ones who do the legwork.



The Labor Day Committee receives the gate admission and will use the money to plan a bigger and better Labor Day celebration next year, Zogelman said.



The “Last Chance” mud run will be Saturday, Oct. 21. The location is directly east of the river on Fourth Street in Florence. ATVs are scheduled to start at 11 am with the trucks starting at noon.



Participants need to be registered one hour before their event start times. The event will run until all classes have run or it gets dark, whichever comes first.



The cost of admission for spectators is $5. Children 7 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.



Parking space is limited so arrive early if you wish to park close by. Parking will be available in town with shuttle service possibly provided. The Florence Volunteer Fire Dept will be operating concessions. Restrooms will be available.

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