Warm weather, sunshine and acres of mud is on tap to provide a perfect setting for the eighth annual Trucks Gone Wild event at Bricks Off Road Park beginning Wednesday.
The event, which runs through Sunday, will kick off from 4-7 p.m. this afternoon with Truck Mania Kids Fest sponsored by Bluff Powersports.
"This event is all about making the kids feel like they're the big deal," Bricks Off Road Park co-owner Scott Brickell said.
Truck Mania Kids Fest will feature demonstrations from Bluff Powersports, bounce houses, face painting and up close experiences with many of the trucks.
According to Brickell, several large trucks will be rolling in early for children to view, climb on, meet the drivers, take photographs and receive autographs.
The National Guard is also scheduled to bring some of their vehicles by the event.
While Truck Mania Kids Fest is free, children 12 and under will need to pick up a VIP lanyard from Bluff Powersports, 4250 Highway 67 North, for entry.
The VIP lanyards will provide access for a car of children and accompanying adults. Only one lanyard is necessary per car.
According to Chase Swayze, who has coined the title of vice president of shenanigans for the event, 300 lanyards are available.
"They are going like hotcakes," he said. "We want this to be a fun experience for the kids."
While no major events are slated for Thursday, Brickell said guests begin rolling into the park to set up camp areas.
Attendees will receive a wristband at the entrance and sign a waiver. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bricksoffroadpark.com or at the gate.
The wristband will allow entry into the park throughout Sunday, but Brickell said guests don't need to worry about leaving because the park has even more food vendors this year, along with an ice truck and portable toilets.
A new water truck will also be on hand to help keep the dust down and mud flying.
Trucks Gone Wild officially kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with a freestyle event.
Brickell said during the freestyle, attendees can expect some of the larger trucks to "put on a show."
A slough challenge war is slated for Saturday, "with a little twist," Brickell said.
During the challenge, trucks will line along the width of a slough to race across.
Fan favorite Scott Green, driver of SAIL, is also expected to attend Trucks Gone Wild, Brickell said.
"He is always up for some cool jumps," he said. "The coolest things you are going to see is something we don't know about or isn't planned. You are not going to want to close your eyes."
Brickell promises repeat attendees will have a different experience compared to previous years.
"These are all very unique events. They are all different and can't be replicated," he said. "Everyone is going to want to try new stuff, new jumps and runs in different ways."
While minors are allowed at the event, they must be accompanied by an adult. Brickell urges everyone to visit the website to read over the rules before attending to ensure no disappointment.
"We have worked really hard over the past few years on making areas of the park more accessible," Swayze said. "We now have a multi-lane road that runs throughout our park to help with traffic flow and enable people to easily navigate the park."
He also added Bricks Off Road Park has been continually making changes to increase the customer's experience and safety.
According to Butler County Highway Superintendent Gary McDonald, County Road 484 leading into Bricks Off Road Park will be one-way as in the past.
"Be careful, watch and allow extra travel time," he said while in the area.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will also be present in the area throughout the weekend.
"We are looking forward to a fun and safe weekend," Brickell said.