Swamp donkey coming to Bakersfield Raceway Park

Once again Linton's Bakersfield Raceway Park is bringing excitement to Greene County race fans -- of all ages.

The track's owner, Marlin Baker, announced this week that a new craze that's starting to take over the south will make an appearance at the track located one mile east of Walmart on State Road 54 on Friday night.

As a part of Bakersfield Raceway Park's Kid's Night, the swamp donkey will offer free rides to all kids in attendance.

"It's really popular in Florida," Baker told the Daily World. "It's a four wheel drive vehicle that can go about anyplace."

The vehicle resembles a platform lift with noticeable differences -- including chairs and benches on the platform that sits atop the chassis.

"They steer it from up top and everybody rides on top, too," Baker noted. "It's a really neat thing to see."

Baker said he's bringing the exotic vehicle as a way to draw interest to the track this week and to give area families a chance to get out and do something together.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. with the green flag set to drop at 8:30 p.m. with ticket prices $10 for adults and kids under 12 free with paid adult admission.

There will not only be rides on the swamp donkey available, but kids will also be treated to free sno-cones and other prizes.

A full card of racing is also slated for the night as nine different classes will take to the track, many featuring local area drivers.