Lawnmower Races steal the spotlight at Cook’s Timber Days
The rumble of “The Grass Assassin” filled the air as the mower creeped forward toward the crosswalk stripes on River Street in Cook Sunday afternoon, taking its place next to a modified John Deer for the start of one of several lawnmower races during the city’s annual Timber Days celebration.
Pit crew members took care of last second tune ups on the modified rides with stabilizer wheels and twisting chrome pipes adding a bit of bling to what’s normally a standard backyard maintenance machine. Racers decked out in helmets, and leather safety gear huddle over steering wheels eyeing the flash of a green go light to hit the gas, squeal the tires and thrill the crowd with displays of speed completely out of place for a garden tool. The race track was only a block long but packed in plenty of excitement and fans to help wrap up the city’s annual start of summer three day festival.
Curious spectators wondering what the heck was going on, joined a crew of die hard lawnmower race fans enjoying the day as the announcer kept the atmosphere light with stories of previous champions and requests for fans to not sit on the lines of straw bales, not just for safety but because the bales were on sale for $5.00 each after the race so the volunteers wouldn’t have to haul them back.
The races were fighting to take home the coveted checkered flag but that didn’t stop the friendly banter, fist bumps and plenty of laughs from the drivers keeping the day entertaining.
Cook’s Timber Days Festival kicks off a busy summer season of community celebrations with Virginia’s Land of the Loon Festival taking center stage next weekend.
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