Rain or shine, the engines were revving, and the excitement was alive as the annual Boomtown Cup Lawn Mower Races returned to Shaunavon this past weekend.
Now in its sixth year, the quirky yet thrilling event has become a staple of Boomtown Days, helping to breathe new life into the beloved summer celebration. Organizer Riley Kornfeld says the idea started with a group of friends trying to reignite the community spirit.
“We felt Boomtown Days was petering out a bit, and a bunch of us wanted to bring something new and fun to it,” said Kornfeld. “It was Tyson Skjerven who came up with the idea of lawn mower racing, and now here we are six years later.”
This year’s event saw 26 competitors' line up on the muddy track, and out of those 26 competitors, the one that came out on top was Allan Ronning. Despite a soggy forecast and some delays due to water on the track, the team worked hard to keep the show rolling.
“We were pumping water off the track as we were talking,” Kornfeld said. “But you look around and everyone’s pitching in. Whether it’s building the mowers, setting up tents, or just showing up to cheer, this event brings the whole community together.”
A new addition this year was the “Kitty Kart” halftime race, providing some lighthearted entertainment for both younger participants and spectators.
As the afternoon wore on and the skies cleared, the crowd continued to grow, proving just how popular the Boomtown Cup has become.
“It’s still early to say, but even with all the rain, it’s looking like another great turnout,” Kornfeld added. “My favourite part of all this is seeing our town come together; every single person plays a role in making it happen.”
From local sponsors to hardworking volunteers, the Boomtown Cup Lawn Mower Races are fast becoming one of Shaunavon’s proudest and most unique summer traditions.
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