The Mesquite/Beaver Dam Lawnmower Racing Association began their fourth season and held the first of their monthly lawnmower races at the Beaver Dam Station on Saturday, Nov. 14.  The races began at noon with a crowd of well over 200 people ready to cheer on their favorite machine and its rider.

Michelle Turner flags the winner of the races during the Mesquite/Beaver Dam lawnmower races held at the Beaver Dam Station in Beaver Dam, AZ. Over 200 people attended the first races of the association’s fourth season held on Nov. 14. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

Michelle Turner flags the winner of the races during the Mesquite/Beaver Dam lawnmower races held at the Beaver Dam Station in Beaver Dam, AZ. Over 200 people attended the first races of the association’s fourth season held on Nov. 14. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.

The Road Kill Grills’ was hopping busy with burgers and hotdogs served up with a smile and by the dozens by Chef Felix Miera.  Don’t worry, he wasn’t really selling folks the dead skunk on the side of the road.

All the food provided for the races was generously donated by Station owner, Bill Evans, who regularly sponsors community events in Beaver Dam.  Evan’s commented, “I can’t believe how many people turned out for the races today. It was awesome. I love doing this kind of stuff for the community. People have lots of fun and it all goes to a good cause.”   Money raised by the food sales and other money donated by patrons supports the local Beaver Dam Community Food Bank.

The racers compete in three categories for cash prizes.  The prize varies depending on the number of participants.  Each participant pays an entry fee which is then divided to give a cash prize to the first and second place racers.  The competitive categories include ‘Don’t Get Hurt’ which are lawnmowers with engines less than 18 horsepower, ‘Super Modified’ which is any machine ranging between 18 and 22 horsepower, and ‘Unlimited Super Modified’ which are usually around 30 horsepower machines according to Rena Baker who calls out the races and gives folks the play-by-plays.  This is Baker’s fourth year with the association.

The races weren’t the only event on the Station’s agenda for the day.  After the races folks were welcome to stick around for the Beaver Dam Station’s Annual Chili Cook-off.  The cook-off had 18 participants this year and the judges decided it was Bill Wilbur’s white chili that took home the annual title and the prize.

Joe Sherman provided entertainment for the lawnmower races and chili cook-off, both held at the Beaver Dam Station on Nov. 14. Sherman and his band played well into the night while patrons tore up the dance floor and had a good time at the Beaver Dam Bar. Photo Teri Nehrenz.

Joe Sherman provided entertainment for the lawnmower races and chili cook-off, both held at the Beaver Dam Station on Nov. 14. Sherman and his band played well into the night while patrons tore up the dance floor and had a good time at the Beaver Dam Bar. Photo Teri Nehrenz.

Joe Sherman provided the day’s entertainment. He regularly performs at the Station’s events and is a favorite of the local crowd.  Sherman and his band jammed long into the night while patrons tore up the dance floor and enjoyed the season-opening event.

Lawnmower races are held the second Saturday of the month at noon through May.  For more information on the Mesquite Beaver/Dam Lawnmower racing association and how to get in on the action you can contact the Beaver Dam Station at 928-347-5589 or just come on out to the races.