By Bobbie Carpenter
tribune correspondent

FORT ASHBY — It was a night filled with “full-pulls” as the Mineral County Fair hosted its very first ATV Pull event at the fairgrounds in Fort Ashby on Thursday, July 30..
The grandstand was packed as participants of all ages, from 7-70,  took their shot at pulling the “Boley  Bully”  - a heavy sled weighing over 3,000 pounds - down a 200-foot length of track.
The purpose of the ATV Pull is to pull the sled down the length of the track, which at the Fort Ashby Fair Ground’s case was 200 feet, resulting in what is called a “full pull.” Once the driver makes a full pull, the two drivers with the longest distance compete with each other in what is called a “pull-off,” where they are permitted to pull the sled past the length of the track as far as they can go to win the event.
Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Honda and even a few Rhinos took their turn vying against the almost two ton hunk of metal provided by Boley Enterprises of Marietta Ohio.
Owner of Boley Enterprises, David Boley, said this year was the first year the Mineral County Fair decided to host this type of event that is growing in popularity across the country.
“They wanted a different event; not the same old, same old,” he said.. “They wanted to attract more local people and have more local involvement.”
Boley, who has been participating in ATV pulls for over 20 years, said the goal of these events is always to play it safe and have fun.
Renting his sleds to customers in six states — Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Michigan and Pennsylvania — Boley said the mostly male-dominated sport sometimes attracts as many girls to the track as guys.
This was not the case in Fort Ashby;  however, as no girls signed up for the event.
At the driver’s meeting prior to the kick-off of the pull, Boley thanks everyone for coming out and went over rules and regulations.
He began by asking the extreme sports enthusiasts how many could do wheelies with a few raising their hands. Boley quickly emphasized that anyone trying any wheelie stunts would be asked to leave.
“We are here to put on a show and have fun,” said Boley. “I don’t want anyone hurt. Everybody is here to have fun. This is a family sport and that’s what we are here for.”
The first class up to face the “Boley Bully” was the 400 cc or 950 pound super stock class. The winner of this category was 7-year-old Ryan Collins of Parkersburg, who took first place against runner-up Brandon Kidwell in the pull-off securing a distance of 214 feet six inches, and a speed of 35 miles per hour with his Polaris ATV.
His father, Jason Collins, said his son has been racing since he’s been four years old, long before he could even reach the foot pedals.
“I’m really proud of him; definitely with everything he has ever done,” said Collins, who added that his son won first place and two trophies two weeks ago in Perry County, Ohio.
Winners of the other winners were not immediately available.