Under sunny skies and ideal September temperatures, Vermilion was abuzz on September 14 as the Vermilion Ridge Riders and the Vermilion River Lawnmower Racing clubs teamed up for a high-energy, family-friendly event. Hosted at the Vermilion Agriculture Grounds, the day featured thrilling Lawnmower races and Snowmobile grass drags, drawing in participants and spectators from all around, including Vermilion, Mannville, St. Paul, Bonnyville, Calgary, Barrhead, Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lloydminster, Kitscoty, and Stony Plain.
Devin Snelgrove, representing the Vermilion Ridge Riders, expressed his satisfaction with how the day unfolded. “The races went well, and we lucked out with the weather,” said Snelgrove. “We had great grass drag races instead of a mud bog, and the turnout was fantastic with strong support from the community.”
The Snowmobile grass drags wowed the crowd, with machines ranging from 120cc kids’ sleds to 900cc turbocharged beasts, offering plenty of excitement for fans of all ages.
“This was also the first year in 25 years that the snowmobile grass drags took place. It was a fast-paced event with a wide variety of machines participating. The registrations were a bit low but as word gets out about the event it will grow in numbers,” stated Heine Westergaard.
On the lawnmower track, 38 racers revved their engines, with three pint-sized Power Wheels participants stealing the show with their adorable miniature rides. The Lawnmower races were divided into several categories: Junior Stock, Open Stock, Stock Modified, Super Modified, and Outlaw—each delivering intense competition and high speeds.
“We added a super stock class as we had a couple of machines entered that were in between stock mod and outlaw. Our largest class was stock mod having 17 tractors entered,” stated organizer Heine Westergaard.
Westergaard noted that approximately 750 spectators attended the event to take in the action and how it takes a lot of volunteers to make events happen.
“It was great to see so many families out to enjoy the day. It takes a lot of volunteers to make these events happen and be successful. Vermilion is an amazing community when it comes to people stepping up to help with events. We are also very fortunate as a community to have access to the Ag Society Grounds and facilities.
Adding to the day’s fun was a classic BBQ prepared by the local Men’s Den clothing shop, serving up hot dogs, chili dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips, and drinks. For those in the mood for something stronger, a beer garden was also on site.
With the perfect mix of friendly competition, community spirit, and delicious food, this event was a roaring success and left attendees eagerly looking forward to the next one. The lawnmower race schedule for 2025 is already set. June 21-22 lawnmower racing and Gears & Cheers car show, July 25-26 lawnmower races in conjunction with the 119th annual Fair and September 13 lawnmower races and snowmobile grass drags. There will be gate admission for these future events to go towards helping cover the cost of running the event.
“Additional race insurance is required for Motorsport racing together with the cost of the porta potty rentals. We have also been investing in our own sound equipment, safety equipment, radios w/noise cancelling headsets plus numerous other items required to run the event. We have multiple gracious sponsors who stepped up to support the race season. In 2025 we would like to be able to generate enough revenue to cover the cost of our events with funds left over to hire a larger-scale bouncy castle crew to come in. This will enhance the opportunities for families to enjoy the day even more and help build a stronger community,” explained Westergaard.
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