95th Bisbee Coaster Race returns July 4; organizers seek volunteers and raffle donations

Deputy Robert Don, representing the Bisbee Coaster Race Committee, said the 95th running of the Bisbee Coaster Race will take place in Tombstone Canyon on July 4 and described how the century-old event is organized and staffed.

"This year would be the 95th running of the Bisby Coaster Race," Don said on KWCD, tracing the race back to 1911 and noting interruptions during wartime and other years. The modern format includes junior (ages 9–12) and senior (13–16) divisions; many of the coasters in use are longstanding entrants that are maintained and reused each year.

Don outlined key logistics for spectators and racers: start at the West Boulevard underpass near Highway 80, a course of about 1.66 miles, and a finish near the Bisbee Library. Spectators should park downtown and walk up Main Street to find viewing points such as Castle Rock or the finish line.

Organizers emphasized volunteer needs: mandatory trial runs in late May and a mandatory trial run in Tombstone Canyon the day before the race, plus a major setup on July 3 that requires roughly 250 barricades and more than 2,000 feet of fencing. The committee raised funds year-round and will hold raffles with donated prizes; raffle tickets will be sold at the start and finish lines and winners need not be present to collect prizes.

Don asked volunteers and donors to contact the race committee via the Bisbee Coaster Race Facebook page. He said proceeds support race supplies and award money for participating youth.