CHERRY GROVE – The sound of roaring engines and clouds of dust filled the Cherry Grove Ag Grounds on Aug. 23 as the community gathered for the annual lawn tractor races, an event that has grown from a backyard rivalry into one of the area’s most unique summer traditions.
Aaron Pottleberg, the lead organizer with the ag society, said the event has a simple beginning.
“It was kind of like a neighbour rivalry between my neighbour and I who could build a better lawnmower,” he recalled. That friendly competition turned into the Cherry Grove Lawn Tractor Races, which celebrated its eighth year in 2025.
Pottleberg explained that the event has come a long way over the years.
“The first year we had about 12 mowers and maybe 30, 40 people. And every year it's just almost doubled. We've got 55 registrations this year. Last year we had over 600 people come through the doors."
Racers came from across Alberta - including Vermilion, Calgary, Two Hills and more. There were four classes ranging from stock mowers that can return to cutting grass the next day, to “Outlaw” machines outfitted with snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike engines where speeds can reach up to 70 km/h.
The races weren’t just about competition.
“Everybody's very helpful here if somebody breaks down their mower there's all of a sudden four or five people throwing extra parts at them,” Pottleberg said. “Even if it's your competitor, you're helping get those mowers back up on the track because it's all about having fun out there.”
Beyond the track, families enjoyed a kids’ carnival, local vendors, and even train rides built and run by a local resident. The Cherry Grove Fire Hall also showcased its new fire truck at the grounds.
As for prizes, racers weren’t only chasing speed. Winners took home unique trophies - polished lawn tractor blades, while all participants had a chance to win prizes. “It keeps a little bit of the aggression and competition down. Everyone’s racing for fun out here,” Pottleberg said.
What started as a small fundraiser is now a signature event in Cherry Grove.
“There’s not really a lot that’s around here for events like this,” Pottleberg said. “We get volunteers from all over Cherry Grove. The majority of the funding goes back into the ag society, which inherently goes back into the community as well.”
