2008 Okeechobee Mud Fest

Who needs quads?

So every time a green KFX400 rolls within our sight, Mike and I are quick to scan it from top to bottom in hopes that it might be my old ATV. We've done this thousands of times over the years with absolutely zilch on the luck factor. On this particular occasion, Mike was convinced it was my old quad, but it had already blended into the crowd and we could no longer see it. About 30 seconds later, though, when the same green ATV popped out of the crowd and passed by for the second time, I caught a good look at it and immediately felt confident that it was indeed my stolen KFX. I grabbed one of the staff workers and we chased the kid down and had him follow us to a sheriff who was patrolling the event.

Long story short, vehicle identification numbers were matched and the kid had to release my ATV back to me. I'm positive this kid wasn't the thief who ruined my day four years ago, so no charges were filed. The downside was that this kid's weekend had been ruined just like mine had been when the Kawi was stolen from me. Four years later, 500 miles from home and in the middle of 40,000 other mud enthusiasts, I got my baby back. Isn't that absolutely amazing?

Why pay for signage?

For obvious reasons, recovering my stolen quad was the highlight of my weekend at Mud Fest. But trust me when I say there was plenty more shock factor to come before the weekend was over. By the middle of day two, Mud Fest had become more like one huge mud machine traffic jam with every kind of off-road vehicle imaginable to man. The riders and drivers in attendance didn't seem to mind as everyone cruised around yelling, partying and having a great time. As for us, we were having a blast just people watching and checking out all of the unusual fabrications that make folks in the South unique.

If you're interested in experiencing Mud Fest for yourself, start dialing in your plans now as 2008 Mud Fest Part 2 will be held in August at the same location. My only warning for first-time visitors is that by nightfall, Mud Fest transforms from a nice family atmosphere to something a little more like Mardi Gras. So be prepared and get ready to experience a gathering like no other. We'll see ya there!