mud races

For 2015, there will be no Mud King, no Mud Queen, no racing champion, no big muddy, soggy mess in East Pembroke.

The volunteer fire department has decided to forego the event for at least one year, Chief Don Newton said, because the small department always struggles to have enough volunteers working on race day.

"It's very hard work, difficult work, with not very many people for not a lot of money," Newton said.

This October, the department will hold a gun raffle in its recently refurbished pavilion behind the fire hall.

There are 32 active volunteers in the department and not all of them can help on race day. The event needs race officials, mud groomers, ticket takers, concession stand workers along with several other behind-the-scenes roles to fill, Newton said.  

"We put this on for the community and community members want to come and enjoy the event," Newton said. "It's hard to ask them to work when they just want to enjoy the show."

The department isn't ruling out bringing the mud races back for 2016. Newton said there's hope of getting the event reorganized and going again, especially with so many people expressing disappointment that it's been canceled this year.

Photo: File photo. A photo from the 2011 mud races.

Sunday, the East Pembroke Fire Department, hosted its annual mud races in the pit area behind the fire hall.

Don't think years from now, "oh, I wish I had a copy of that photo." To purchase prints, click here.

The East Pembroke Mud Races are on a Sunday this year -- this Sunday.

Registration starts at 10 a.m. The first race is 12:30 p.m.

Registration fees: $15 per class, $5 for 11 and under, $5 for each additional class and racers still pay admission. 

Admission is $10, with 11 and under free. Pit admission is $12.

You can enter a raffle to win the four-wheeler shown above. 

Pictured with the 2014 Cao Polaris 570cc are James Gayton and Dale Lewter.

It's time again for one of the most fun and exciting events in Genesee County -- the East Pembroke Mud Races, sponsored by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department.

Registration for the race begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, and ends at 11:30. Racing follows. The registration fee is $15 per wheeler and $5 per extra classes. Racers pay an admission fee, as well.

There will also be the annual Mud Queen Scramble and a Mud King and Outlaw Class race.

Spectator admission is $10, and pit spectator admission is $15.

Raffle prizes include a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500cc, a 2013 Polaris Outlaw 50cc and $3,500 cash. Second place is $500; 3rd is $250.

The fire department wishes to thank all of its sponsors and members for the support and work to make the event possible.

In the picture, from left, Willie Torres, Chuck Chatley, Gerri Baylor, Julie Waldron, Steve Smelski, Willie Welch, Dan Kolb and Ray Schramm.

Ed Woods attended the Mud Races hosted by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday and provided us with these photos.

A record number of entrants showed up for the East Pembroke Fire Department's annual mud races. It was a perfect day for mud racing and the action was non-stop.

Below, a slide show of additional photos from the event.  To purchase pictures taken by Howard Owens from this event click here.

Below, photos of the mud queen race and the winner (name not yet available) submitted by Destin Danser.