34 Raceway to give away school supplies, prizes at '34 For Kids Night'

WEST BURLINGTON — 34 Raceway will be host "34 For Kids Night" on Saturday and kids in attendance will be going home with school supplies and other prizes after what should be a fun night of race car driving.

The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the dirt track, located at 10463 S. Prairie Grove Road in West Burlington.

In addition to racing, hundreds of drawings will be held for a variety of prizes, including gift cards, backpacks with school supplies, games, toys, bikes, scooters, Happy Joe's pizza coupons, glow sticks, and more.

"Not every kid is going to get a big prize, but they're all going to go home with something," said Jessi Mynatt, who handles marketing and promotions for the track. "We have over 40 donors for this event, and they're so generous. They're been so amazing. And with this being a multiple-year event, people have really stepped up to help the kids in our community.

"It's a multi-year event, this is the sixth year, and it's been very successful every single year," Mynatt added. "We've always been able to send every kid home with something."

Drivers meet-and-greet will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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A West Burlington Fire Department fire engine and Air Evac Lifeteam of Fort Madison rescue helicopter will also be on site from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The New Mix 107.3 FM KGRS radio will be broadcasting at the track from 4 to 6 p.m.

Gates open for kids to register for drawings for prizes at 4 p.m. and drawings begin at 6:15 p.m.

Hot laps are also set to begin at 6:15 p.m., with racing set to start at 7 p.m. from classes including 305 Sprints-Winged, Modifieds, Sports Mods, Sport Compact, and Dirt Late Models.

After the races, the night will end with a fireworks show put on by J&M Displays.

General admission for adults is $10. General admissions for students ages 11-17 and seniors 62 or older is $8. Kids 10 and younger are free with paid adult admission. Pit passes are $30. And Eagle View Community Health Systems tickets will be honored at the event as well.

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In light of the recent economic — and everyday — challenges experienced by many all over the country, Mynatt said the event will be an opportunity to help others in the community and provide a good night of fun for all in attendance.

"Times are hard," said Mynatt. "Literally, they're harder than they ever have been and being able to at least give the kids something, giving them something to look forward to, an event to come and enjoy, that's a low-cost, exciting event that they get to see race car drivers and meet some of their heroes is huge."

Brad Vidmar covers public safety and education for The Hawk Eye and can be reached via email at BVidmar@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: 34 Raceway giving away school supplies, prizes for kids Saturday night