Coyote Days bring roaring competition

The Wild Coyote Saloon on Prospect Creek Road outside of Thompson Falls was hopping Saturday with spectators who watched the always popular lawn mower races. The annual Coyote Days event was advertised as a "howling good time." The lawnmower races began at 2 p.m. with the 14 participants completing time trials for placement in heats. Brad McGuigan from Thompson Falls has been running this portion of the event for seven years. "This year we have 15 mowers entered," he said. McGuigan was busy writing down times for the trial races. "There will be four races to qualify for each of the main races. There will be two mains and a grudge main," he explained. The riders are divided up by their speed. "I don't get too technical on it. It's mostly for fun," McGuigan said.

Jason Brown from Thompson Falls modified six John Deere mowers to enter in the race. "I buy them from all over and rebuild them just for races like this one," Brown said. His son, Ethan Brown, was the grand champion this year. The Browns had family from all over the country, including Minnesota and Ohio, travel to compete on one of their mowers.

There was a women's race with four women competing. "Their race is for fun. No money was won but Carmen Brandt from Missoula received the sportsman's acknowledgement, for winning the race," McGuigan said. "I'd like to thank all of the participants and spectators for being there and helping to make it a fun race. See you all at the Oktoberfest," he concluded.

The Western Sky Band set up their stage outside of the saloon in the shaded patio. Deb and Dave Oliver, along with Keith Meyers, have been playing music around the county for four years. "We played at the car show in Trout Creek and we will be playing at the Huckleberry Festival and county fair," Dave said. The trio plays for drinks and tips. "I play the bass guitar, Keith plays electric guitar and Dave plays keyboard," Deb said. All three sing vocals on their selection of classic songs. "We sing old songs for old people," Dave joked. "Sometimes young people listen to us play."

Along with music and lawnmower races, a dunk tank was set up Friday and Saturday to raise money for the Sheriff's Relief Fund. Detective April Phillips volunteered to be dunked. "This is for a great cause, so I don't mind being dunked. It feels good on a hot day," she said. Matthew Denison from Thompson Falls volunteered his time in the tank as well. "I'm having fun being dunked. I wanted to help out a little bit to raise money," he said.

Both days at the saloon had craft vendors, Blondeez food truck, an outside bar and grill, horseshoe tournament, duck race, and evening music by Northern Lights and Spa City Sound.