Several 1,000 expected for Moyie Mud Bogs

Tia Avery wouldn’t miss the chance to play in the mud.

The Moyie Springs woman will be among several hundred competing at the Moyie Mud Bogs from Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11.

“It is an adrenaline rush and the most fun I have ever had,” said Avery, who has been bogging for six years. “I love the mud, the kids love it, and it is a family event for us.”

Avery will be at the event with her husband, Jeff Avery, and her five children.

“We just go during the day and leave when it starts getting too drunk out,” said Tia Avery, who has over $10,000 into her Chevy Blazer. “This is the only thing we do for an outing, and we will make sure it is good.”

Avery also is a member of Poorboys, a group of guys and gals that gets together to drive four-by-fours.

Property owner and event organizer Bruce Behrman plans to have a couple thousand people at the event this year. People in the past have come as far as Florida, New York and Rhode Island.

This year there will be races, rock climbs, bonfires and two bands, Southern Comfort, a country band and Blue Band for the younger generation. Both will be playing together on the 40-acres.

The mud bog benefits the local economy.

“Well, it is a depressed area. We need to bring money into it,” said Behrman. “The grocery stores usually run out of beer and ‘tater’ chips.”

Food vendors will be at the event but no alcohol will be sold. People can bring their own.

The cost is $20 for three days, which includes camping. No one under 18 will be allowed unless with parents.

Helping to organize the event is George Elliott, Justin Holmes and Jean Tashoff, all from Bonners Ferry.

“I couldn’t do it without them,” said Behrman.