Florida Tugs returns to Posse Arena
With just a week to go before Cracker Day Rodeo weekend, what better way to get ready for it than to see two trucks go at it in a tug-of-war?
Florida Tugs returns to the Lee County Posse Arena on Saturday at 6 p.m., where the area’s biggest and best trucks will face off on the concrete battleground below the arena surface for more than $3,000 in prize money in two divisions.
The event has become one of the most popular events at the arena besides the PRCA Rodeo. Keith Gogolin, owner of Florida Tugs, said if the weather cooperates, the people will come.
“We should have great participation. Last year we finally got rained out after 20 years,” Gogolin said. “We anticipate three times as many people from last year.”
Thousands came for the winter event, who braved the chilly conditions. The April tug was marred by rain for much of the evening, which kept the fans away and changed the complexion of the competition.
With the drier conditions, Gogolin said there should be more action on the driver’s preferred surface.
“It’s better for the drivers. The rain didn’t create a good pulling surface. We used to have a short path, now it’s 160 feet long,” Gogolin said.
The longer pulling surface makes for every seat in the house being a good one as opposed to the past when the center seats were preferred.
The gates open at 4 p.m. for registration and weigh-in. After a driver’s meeting at 6 the pull will begin. The trucks will compete in two divisions; 7,000 pounds and 8,500 pounds.
There is a $20 entry fee and only DOT approved tires are allowed, no racing tires.
Gogolin expects about two dozen trucks to compete, which makes his event the most competitive tug event around.
General admission is $15, with kids 10 and under free. For more, call 340-4020.