Mud Slinging Encouraged at July 8 Hines Park Event

On Sunday July 8, the Nankin Area of Hines Park invites families to make memories while getting as dirty as humanly possible.

The community’s 26th annual Mud Day kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Hines Park Nankin Mills Area, located on Hines Drive east of Ann Arbor Trail in Westland.

“Mud Day is a fun, unique and rare annual event that draws international attention,” Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano told the Observer & Eccentric. “Regardless of the time of year, Wayne County Parks have great opportunities for families to enjoy themselves and create life-long memories.”

This year’s event features a 75-by-150-foot mud pit for kids ages 12 and younger.

More than 1,000 kids ages 12 and younger will run into a 75-by-150-foot mud pit and compete in various games before the 2014 King and Queen of Mud are crowned. The royals are chosen by how muddy they are.

“We line the kids up by gender and then we determine who’s the muddiest,” said Kim Healy, recreation manager for Wayne County Parks. Healy said that one year a kid put mud on his teeth and thats how he won the crown.

There won’t be showers on site, but water hoses will be available for use. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothing, and parents are also advised to bring towels and plastic bags for cleanup.