RUSSELLVILLE -- Several all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders threw dirt high into the air as they demonstrated their skills and helped raise funds for an upcoming fireworks display.
Riders slid around cones and raced to see who could get the best time in their age group or class Saturday at an ATV rodeo hosted by the Russellville Lions Club. The event made its return as the organization raises funds for its annual Fourth of July picnic and fireworks show.
Russellville Lions Club President Ben Mehrhoff said the event was well received, and the group intends to host more ATV rodeos.
"Everybody seemed to want them, so we're going to go ahead and probably do another one," he said. "We're going to do more."
Dana Frisby, Russellville Lions interim vice president, said the organization hasn't held ATV rodeos in years despite having figure eight events. He added attendance Saturday was likely hampered by another event in Versailles.
"Right now we don't have very many people out there, but this is the first one that we've done here," he said. "So it's kind of new to (the participants), and it is my understanding they've got one over in Versailles right now. ... The more words we can get out about it, the more people we'll get."
Event proceeds, Frisby said, will enable the organization to continue its tradition of lighting the night sky with fireworks in July.
"We do these events to try to raise money for our Fourth of July picnic," he said. "The Fourth of July costs us $5,000 to $6,000 in fireworks. We do get support from the community, the bank and different places, but that doesn't cover all the expenses. These events is what helps us do that."
Frisby added the club's Fourth of July picnic is typically held the weekend after July 4, giving people a "second chance" to celebrate America's birthday. This year, the event will be held July 8 at the Russellville Lions Club, 13625 Route C.
"It's a pretty spectacular event," Mehrhoff said, adding cars are usually lined up from the Lions Club to Russellville High School and across the street to watch the fireworks show.
Frisby said the event took more than a month to plan, with several members and family members assisting with the event
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Results from the ATV rodeo are:
0-7 years old: Colton Self, first place, Jase Fischer, second place, and Peyton Davis, third place.
8-11 years old: Blayden Laird, first place, Wyatt Dilse, second place, and Colton Self, third place.
12-15 years old: Cooper Self, first place, Wyatt Dilse, second place, and Drew Hol, third place.
Stock: BR Knipp, first place, Brian Hol, second place, and Alan Scheperle, third place.
Super stock: Jarred Deluna, first place, Brian Hol, second place, and Drew Hol, third place.
Farm: Brian Hol, first place, and Drew Hol, second place.
Open modifications: Jake Self, first place, Lloyd Weaver, second place, and Jake Self, third place.
Dash for cash: Jake Self.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Jase Fischer, 7, of Tebbetts, dashes toward the finish line Saturday after rounding the last cone on the Russellville Lions Club's dirt track.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Jase Fischer, 7, of Tebbetts, maneuvers his way around a cone Saturday at the Russellville Lions Club's dirt track during its ATV rodeo.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — A rider steers around a cone Saturday as his all-terrain vehicle kicks up dirt from the Russellville Lions Club's ATV rodeo. Several ATV riders of all ages gathered to help the organization fundraise for its annual fireworks display.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Peyton Davis, 8, of Jefferson City, kicks up dirt as he steers his all-terrain vehicle Saturday around the dirt track at the Russellville Lions Club during the organization's ATV rodeo fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will enable the organization to host its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Emmitt Dilse, 4, of Jamestown, maneuvers his all-terrain vehicle Saturday as its rear tires spit dirt during the Russellville Lions Club's ATV rodeo. Riders of all ages competed for the best time in their age group or class as the Lions Club fundraised for its upcoming Fourth of July picnic and fireworks display.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Emmitt Dilse, 4, of Jamestown, races a small all-terrain vehicle Saturday during the Russellville Lions Club's ATV rodeo.