Allenville breaks in new lawn-mower racetrack

Dirt was thrown as Johnathan Stidham leaned into the corner followed by Andy Mack during the SEMOW modified lawnmower race in Allenville. (Aaron Eisenhaer) [Click to enlarge]

More than 100 people showed up Saturday afternoon to see Allenville's new lawn-mower racetrack get broken in. The races, which started at 1 p.m., were held in conjunction with the town's annual picnic.

The 600-foot track has been in the works for a year and reflects the efforts of many volunteers and donations. Track improvements include lights, three turns instead of two, bigger and wider slopes and a shady area for spectators. Nighttime races are being planned for the fall. The old track was in front of Allenville Park, about a block away, and had been used for about eight years, said Amanda Deckard, president of the park board.

While Deckard's husband, Jason, was racing, another racer with trouble stopped on the track. Soon after, another racer had trouble. They all slowed down and stopped.

"After the racers are given a few minutes to try and fix the problem, they restart the race. It's a good family event," she said.

Ronal Diebold, the club's vice president, has only been racing for two years. He considers the sport family oriented with racers adhering to good sportsmanship. There's no fighting or drinking allowed, and the rules are enforced. Diebold said,

"Out on the track they're your enemy, but off the track we're a tight-knit group," he said. Club members help each other with repairs and are in the club just to have a good time. Diebold likes to win and gets a little nervous before a race. Making the mower turn corners is his biggest challenge.

Kevin Spears, president of the Advance Lawnmower Association, had to ride on two wheels to gain an edge.

"I've never had it on two wheels as much as today," he said.

Spears later flipped the mower over. When he got up, the crowd cheered.

With most of the attention on the new track and race, the picnic drew visitors to a baby contest, cake walk, musical entertainment, cross-cut saw contest, games for children and adults, fireworks, homemade ice cream and artisans demonstrating their crafts.

Lloyd Henson, a Whitewater resident for 30 years, comes for the outing because he considers Allenville's picnic like all small-town festivals, only this one's a little more family friendly.

"There's nothing high-tech," he said. "It's a little simpler."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133