Moyie Mud Bog attracts 3,000

BONNERS FERRY — An estimated 3,000 people from as far away as New Jersey gathered for the 10th annual spring Moyie Mud Bog, an event founder Bruce Behrman said gets better every year.

“This is a great turn out,” he said, surveying the many vehicles spread around, from a “double decker redneck bus” to high-end RVs with large-screen televisions and all the amenities of home. “People are having a good time.”

After the activities in the mud pit Friday and Saturday night, the crowd danced to “Phoenix,” who rocked the crowds into the wee hours. During the day, vehicles of all shapes and sizes lined up to challenge the mud pit, from family sedans to customized monsters boasting 1,000-horsepower engines.

Security and staff, numbering 111 people this year, kept the event well-organized, and adverse incidents were few.

“We had a rig roll over on the climbing hill and a guy broke a couple of ribs,” Behrman said. “His passenger hurt his arm and finally went to the hospital. When he came back with a cast on his arm, his biggest worry was that they'd cut off his wrist band and he wouldn't be able to get back in.”

It was estimated a few years ago that the Mud Bog, which takes place in the spring and fall over a long weekend each, brings about $300,000 to the local economy per year in gas, groceries, lodging and other sales. The Curley Creek Fire Department earns about ten-percent of its annual revenue providing a fire truck to remain on standby.

“This brings a lot to the community,” Behrman said. “