All proceeds provide Christmas assistance to students in Mayfield and Graves County public schools.
The only charge for parking is $5 on the infield, accessible from the back gate. All other parking, including the majority of it, is free.
“Several people have asked whether we could turn it into a two-night event,” said Larry Wooley, spokesman for the group that organizes the event each year. Other members include Ricky Wilson, Kenneth Wiggins, and Kenny Wiggins. “The opportunity arose, so we thought we would try it,” he continued. “I know of at least a couple of participants who said they were coming because it’s two nights. There are lots of places we go and do two nights,” Wooley said. “Most of the people are running for points, kind of like in NASCAR.”
Wooley said attendance has been consistent over the years, with approximately 3,500 people in the grandstands each time. The two-night format is common. Each night is treated as a separate event, both in terms of spectators and competition. He hopes the two nights together draw a total crowd of 5,000 or more.
“We really appreciate our sponsors, too,” Wooley said. “Most of these folks have been a part of this for years. They care about the community. They get a little advertising out of it, but mostly, I think they want to help the kids. We give them publicity at the event and we hope people will let them know how much we appreciate them.
“Altogether this year, we’re going to have seven classes. In the Mid-South part of it, we’ll have Super Farm Tractors, Light Superstock Tractors, Limited Light Superstock Tractors – they’re little, light things, but they put on a good show, and then we’ll have Prostock Four-Wheel Trucks,” Wooley explained.
“In the Ken-Tenn part of it, we’re going to have Two-wheel Drive Trucks, Open Four-Wheel Drive Trucks, and Pro-street Four-Wheel Drive Trucks,” he continued. “Then, on Saturday, we hope we can get some Prostock Diesel Trucks. I’m trying to get them to come, but we still don’t know.”
The Family Resource and Youth Services Centers of the Graves County Schools and the Family Resource Center of Mayfield Elementary School take turns operating concession stands. Profits go to the Community Christmas Connection project they operate to help families in need. Additionally, two schools each year get the opportunity to operate concession stands to benefit their schools in whatever ways they choose. This year’s schools are Wingo and Central elementary schools.
