Dean S. Acheson

That glow in the eastern sky is coming from Forest County where the birthday cakes are big and bright, alit with dozens of burning candles. The city of Crandon turns the century mark this year. The courthouse is also 100 years old. The Crandon International Off-Road Raceway is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the track. The “Big House” is home to the Brush Run in the spring and the BorgWarner World Championships Races during the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6.

Track officials decided to hold the 40th anniversary observance during the World Championship Off-Road Races. The Big House has planned a week-long (Aug. 29 through Sept. 3) celebration leading up to the 15th annual World Championship Off-Road Races.

The World Championship Off-Road Races first took place in 1970. The race was 101 miles on a 25 1/4 mile course. The inaugural year saw the first – and only – two person championship team: Jim Zbella and Wally Schauer.

See page 7 for details on Crandon’s Centennial Celebration. Country music star Josh Gracin will kick off the celebration Friday night with a free concert. There will be historical displays, fireworks, and a huge parade Saturday.