If they dig it, will they finally come?

As Chris Sowers digs through mounds of dry dirt and clay with his bulldozer on the Hernando County Fairgrounds, some might find it hard to believe that in a month, that area will be filled with soft mud, water — and truck and motorsports enthusiasts.

Sowers is one such devotee. Since he was 14 years old, he has driven one type of vehicle or another through various mud pits — mostly for competition's sake — to see how far he could travel before sinking too far in the sludge.

As fellow drivers cheer them on, volunteers then typically hook the sludge-bound vehicle to a tow truck to clear the way for the next driver to try his or her luck.

It's events like these that are big, loud, dirty and tend to draw large crowds.

At least that's what Richard Klimas, grounds manager for the Hernando County Fairgrounds, is hoping.

"We really wanted something fun and exciting that would bring people back to the fairgrounds," Klimas said. "An event like this has something for everyone. And it allows for a family atmosphere where people can come and enjoy themselves for a weekend."

The Truck Fest is currently slated for the weekend of March 2 to 4. The cost will be $15 a person or $30 for the entire weekend.

Klimas said competitors who attend can drive through obstacle courses and ramp their trucks into the air before landing in the mud.

There will also be a beginner's area where — on a whim — attendees can give mud bogging a try.

Other activities include mechanical bull riding competitions, power wheel races for children and a Miss Truck Fest selection at which contestants must display their truck knowledge and skill — rather than be judged on their appearance.

Part of the festival's appeal, Klimas said, is that enthusiasts from across Florida have already shown interest in traveling to Brooksville. That typically includes bringing multiple vehicles and their family while staying and shopping in Hernando County for the weekend.

Retailers who sell auto supplies will also likely benefit.

"These people take these competitions very seriously," Klimas said. "It's not your 'redneck' event. These folks take a lot of time working on their vehicles and tires to seriously make a go at winning."

Meanwhile, those worried about the trucks tearing up the land have little to worry about, Klimas said. Once the event is finished, the area will be returned to its original state.

But if enough interest is garnered, he said organizers hope to create a more permanent area elsewhere on the fairgrounds to be used for mudding.

"We would hope to have this and others like it more often to see people return here for events to enjoy with their families," Klimas said.

"Depending on how well this one is received, we will determine whether we hold another one annually, quarterly or maybe even monthly."

Contact Klimas at (352) 585-1062.