Big Back-In 'mow' fun than ever

SPIRIT LAKE - The lawn can wait another day.

When Father's Day (June 17) arrives in Spirit Lake, there's good reason to put off yard duty.

Downtown's Maine Street will be lined with crowds and packed with riding mowers as contestants push their grass machines to the limit in a fun-filled day of drag racing. With several classes of mowers - stock, modified and super-modified - and speeds exceeding 45 mph, the Big Back-In offers entertainment for the entire family.

Registration is 9-11 a.m. with races beginning at noon.

During Spirit Lake's Big Back-In, vendors and a beer garden will be set up at the Little Park at Fourth and Maine with activities for kids nearby.

Proceeds from the annual event have provided funding for numerous city projects including restrooms at City Park, grass and dugouts at baseball fields and playground equipment. This year's funds are earmarked for the purchase of floating toys for the new Lakeside Recreation Center, more playground equipment and a security system for City Parks to deter vandalism.

More than 45 racers are expected. Some spend months and thousands of dollars on their mowers, many with elaborate paint jobs and custom detailing. Spirit Lake is just one stop on the Back-In circuit, which includes mower drag races in Rathdrum, Priest River, Oldtown and Ponderay, with proceeds benefiting each community's parks and recreation department or other projects.

For more information on The Big Back-In or vendor availability, visit: www.bigbackin.com or call 623-5130.