Bank breaks losing streak in SERVE Mule Race

Roger Moser of Moser's Foods hoists high the Callaway Cup after snatching victory from the Ovid Bell Press Friday afternoon, June 16, 2017. Moser's Mule 'Jack Tres' is the third in his line of racers.
Roger Moser of Moser's Foods hoists high the Callaway Cup after snatching victory from the Ovid Bell Press Friday afternoon, June 16, 2017. Moser's Mule 'Jack Tres' is the third in his line of racers.

A new champion was crowned during Friday afternoon's Mule Race at the Fulton Street Fair.

Every year, staff members of Moser's Foods, The Callaway Bank and the Ovid Bell Press construct their steeds: three- wheeled racers built from bicycle parts and scrap metal. This year, The Callaway Youth Expo also entered a mule into the Callaway Cup race.

The mule races are split into two competitions: the Callaway Cup and the SERVE Race. The Callaway Cup is an open division for anyone who wants to build a mule and try their luck. The SERVE Race is a charity event that has a $1,000 entry fee and a $1,000 losers fee. All the money from that race, usually $5,000, goes to local charity SERVE.

A bit tippy

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During Friday's Callaway Cup, the lane closest to the beer wagon produced winner after winner. After a few heats, a spot check of the starting ramp showed the apparatus was lopsided, giving that side a clear advantage. After adjusting the ramp as much as possible, the playing field became more even and produced winners on both lanes.

After a tight competition, the final race for the Callaway Cup came down to Moser's versus Ovid Bell Press. Although they had lost to Ovid Bell a few heats earlier, Moser's was able to bring Jack Tres to victory.

"This was a totally legal victory," Roger Moser said, addressing the crowd. "I think the trophy got bigger this year."

While Moser's may have been victorious in the Callaway Cup, the real competition was just beginning.

Breaking their losing streak, The Callaway Bank swatted down the other two racers and claimed the title for 2017. Bank president and CEO Kim Barnes was over the moon ecstatic.

"We are pretty vindicated today," she said. "But, it's all for good."

SERVE, Inc. Executive Director Steve Mallinckrodt said he was thankful to the yearly race and the impact it has on Callaway residents.

"I want to thank the competitors for participating, " he added. "This makes a difference to so many in Callaway. We always have fun, and SERVE is always the winner."

Ovid Bell Press President Troy Williams said he and his team always have a good time at the race, win or lose.

"Yeah, we lost," he said. "We like to wait till about the week before the race and get creative with the mule. It's a lot of fun. I'm glad to see a new winner this year."

Moser, who finished last in the SERVE Race, said he felt satisfied he helped SERVE.

"We have no excuses," he said. "We lost, fair and square but there was this one bad brick down there near the finish line."