King of the Hill Mud Races in Llano kick up Fourth of July fun
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
LLANO — While one event might have bitten the dust, for now, another will continue to spray dust all over attendees.
King of the Hill Mud Races will be conducted July 5 for the 11th consecutive year. It’s a fundraiser that helps to light Christmas park in the city. And the reason organizers decided to keep the races came down to one thing.“Because the public demands it,” promotor Deana Kenner said with a chuckle. “The community enjoys it so much. It gives the public something to do for Fourth of July.”[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: King of the Hill Mud Races
WHEN: July 5; gates open at 6 p.m., races start at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Toyland, located off Texas 16 in north Llano
COST: $10 for adults and $15 for pit passes; children 10 and under admitted free
BRING: Coolers[/box]
Gates open at 6 p.m. with races starting at 7 p.m. at Toyland, located off Texas 16. Admission is $10 for adults and free to children 10 and under. Pit pass admission is $15.
Toyland features a circular track, which allows mud pits, Kenner said.
While the number of entries varies from year to year, Kenner said organizers are expecting about 40 vehicles.
“It draws (from) across the state,” she said. “We get drivers from Houston, and they can’t wait to get back here. Over the years, drivers talk about our races here.”
The idea for a mud race came from John Montgomery, a member of the Llano Christmas Lighting committee, who attended mud races when he lived in Houston and saw the surrounding cities offered an event on the Fourth of July.
“We wanted to give the community something to do in Llano,” Kenner said. “Llano was one of the communities at the time that didn’t have anything other than fireworks.”
While concessions will be available, attendees can bring their own coolers. And for those who have children, Kenner has some advice.
During intermission, organizers allow children to have foot races in the mud pits.
“They’re covered from head to toe when they come out,” she said with a laugh. “Bring extra clothes.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com