Sequim Gazette staff

Cheers echoed inside the packed Sequim Fire Station 34 on Saturday morning as 14 wheelers raced through the 10th annual Wheelchair Rodeo.

Longtime competitor Julie Broadwell took home best time for the road speed course and newcomer Stephanie Dunn won the obstacle course that involved weaving through cones and going backward.

Organizer Margaret Witt said the event had its largest community turnout ever.

“I’m out of my gourd,” she said of her excitement level. “Hopefully we can use this to get jump-started and

show the community their struggles more.”

Witt started the event to advocate for those who use wheelchairs and to find more transportation options for them.

On hand for the event were Clallam County Fire District 3 staff and volunteers such as volunteer EMT Mike Gawley, who said he loves helping at the event.

“It’s inspirational and feels good to be around them,” he said of participants.

Organizers are looking for another venue for next year due to the fire station’s limited parking and space and high call volume.