Back-In back on
MARY MALONE/Press fileMarc Kroetch, left, president of the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce, pops a wheelie as he races against Mike Cover of Spirit Lake during the 16th annual Big Back-In lawnmower drags in Spirit Lake.
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
SPIRIT LAKE — Gentlemen, man your mowers.
After being on the brink of elimination, the popular custom lawnmower races, the Big Back-In, a Father's Day tradition in Spirit Lake, will be held for the 19th year on Maine Street on Sunday, June 16.
Terrie Hauck, quartermaster of Roy Racy VFW Post 1473, organizer of the event, said the liability insurance premium cast a cloud over the event that's also a fundraiser for the nonprofit. However, that's been erased with a favorable insurance quote that will help the event pencil out.
“We’re pleased to say that this community event will be happening on Father’s Day,” said Hauck, adding that many residents had expressed worry through social media.
Hauck said the VFW originally thought the one-day liability insurance for the races would be around $3,000, which is about what the event cleared for profit last year.
"But we received a $600 quote that gives us $2 million in coverage in case of an accident, so the board has decided to go ahead and host the event," Hauck said. "Some vets who live in Spirit Lake told me some people were really concerned we wouldn't have it."
The VFW hosted the event for the first time last year after the Chamber of Commerce let it go because of too few volunteers, said Spirit Lake businessman and former event organizer Marc Kroetch. The races sometimes attract 2,000 to 3,000 people.
Hauck said the VFW was under the impression that its regular liability insurance for other events would also cover the Big Back-In, but when the nonprofit inquired with its new agent this year, it learned that the lawnmower races would require a separate policy.
Hauck said that in hindsight, the VFW is thankful there were no incidents last year.
"Events with big crowds, a beer garden, motorized equipment or animals such as a rodeo affects your insurance," Hauck said.
Hauck said Spirit Lake formerly held a blues festival, but that was later canceled due to the insurance cost.
This year's Big Back-In will be held from noon to about 3 p.m. Time trials start at 11 a.m.
To register or volunteer for the event with traffic control, trash pickup or the set-up and tear-down crews, call the VFW at 208-290-6511.
"The more, the merrier," Hauck said.