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Frequently Asked Questions
- 01(Spring) May 16th 2026 - (Fall) - October 3rd 2026 Early check in for camping, as well as vendor set up is FRIDAY starting at 3 pm until 7pm. No entry after 7pm on FRIDAY, so plan accordingly. SATURDAY gates will open for camper check in as well as show car registration as early as 8 am. Vendors can set up from 6 am to 9 am. Public gates open at 9 am and stay open until 9 pm, when gates are closed and locked. Events through out the entire day & night. SUNDAY is clean up and camper check out day. Everyone MUST be off the grounds by 11 am.
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- 03Chesaning is a beautiful small rural town near the center of Michigan. About 20 minutes from the express way (I-75 or US127). Just a short drive, for a weekend of fun! Chesaning is 50 miles or less from East Lansing, Saginaw, Flint, Midland, Bay City & many other great Michigan cities. You will also find that Chesaning is 100 miles or less from major Michigan cities like Ann Arbor, Detroit & Grand Rapids. Coming from out of state? You'll love the road trip, nothing better than putting miles on that vintage car/truck/motorcycle, especially if you can get a few friends to convoy with you! 2 hour trip from Toledo, Ohio 3 hour trip from Elkhart, Indiana 4 hour trip from Chicago, Illinois 5 hour trip from Toronto, Ontario, Canada 6 hour trip from Madison, WI 6 hour trip from Charleston, WV 6 hour trip from Louisville, Kentucky 7 hour trip from Dubuque, Iowa 8 hour trip from St Lous, Missouri 9 hour trip from Nashville, Tennessee
- 04Yes! That would be greatly appreciated! You have a few options, listed below.. PayPal: justincarlton13 Venmo: justin_carlton Last four of phone number is 1012 or mail a check, made out to Ridges Ride Heart Collective, Po Box 56, Chesaning, MI, 48616 There is also a "DONATE" tab on the home page at the top right, where you can donate with a credit card - PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PUT IN THE NOTES OF PAY APPS THAT IT IS A HEART DONATION SO WE CAN KEEP TRACK OF ALL FUNDS PROPERLY - Your donations will help with many great children's heart related foundations & organizations!
- 05Ridges Ride Heart Collective—the organization behind this event. Our mission is to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (CHD) in children on a larger scale while working alongside incredible partners like Mott Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor to support families in need. In addition to advocacy and fundraising, we are committed to providing financial assistance and resources to families navigating the challenges of a child’s recent or upcoming heart surgery. When you attend this event, you’re doing more than just having a great time—you’re making a real impact in your local community and across the state for families facing some of life’s toughest moments. So please join us, invite your friends and family, and help spread the word. This event is packed with fun and excitement, but at its core, it has a meaningful purpose—and we can’t reach our goals without your support. More Info: The name Ridges Ride Heart Collective carries several layers of meaning that reflect both our personal story and the mission behind our event; The Dead Pedal Dust Up. First, there is Ridge, our son, who was born with Congenital Heart Defects. Throughout his life, Ridge has undergone several major open-heart surgeries—procedures that ultimately saved his life. His strength and journey are the heart of everything we do. Next is the word Ride. Our signature event, the Dead Pedal Dust Up, is rooted in automotive culture. From the car show and burnout contest to the hot rod racing, the event celebrates the passion of fellow car enthusiasts like ourselves. The word “ride,” however, also symbolizes Ridge’s heart journey. Much like a drive down a long road, his story has taken us through every kind of terrain—from unexpected potholes and moments when it felt like we might veer off course, to stretches of smooth pavement and hope. It has truly been a ride in every sense of the word. Finally, there is Heart Collective. While many groups use terms like “foundation,” “association,” or “organization,” the word collective resonated deeply with us. It reflects the spirit of what we are building: a community of people coming together with a shared purpose. Through this collective effort, we continue to grow the event, raise awareness, and work side by side to make a meaningful difference for children living with congenital heart defects.
- 06Sorry, no golf carts allowed in show area or campground. As well, no mini bikes are allowed to be driven in the show area except during the mini bike races or during the mini bike parade. The campground area is small, so there just isn't room for golf carts flying around, other than staff. Safety first and our insurance does not allow it as well. Walking is good for you or you are welcome to bring a bicycle. If you need assistance, please reach out, a staff member when not busy with other duties will be happy to give you a ride as needed.
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- 08Sign up for the figure 8 or bump n run derby will be done with TNT demolition derby (231) 425-6990 Hot Rod Dirt Track Races, Flame Thrower Demonstration, Mini & Pit Bike Races, Burnout Contest, Kids Power Wheels Races or any other event that may take place at the track/grand stands you will need to sign up in advance to partake. This can be done inside the exhibit hall at The Dead Pedal Dust Up merch booth, just ask the lovely volunteers for a track liability waiver form. Must bring your own DOT helmet Must fill out & sign liability waiver & vehicle tech form Copy of your drivers license & vehicle insurance required We are not liable for any damages/injuries to you, guests, vehicles, or property. Enter & participate at your own risk.
- 09You don't have to camp. We encourage it so your on site & don't miss anything. It may be hot, or it may be cold (never know with Michigan weather) & you may want to have somewhere to lay down & take a nap, or cool down/warm up, so camping is convenient. But, your welcome to drive in to the show everyday as well. There is also an RV dealership 3 miles down the road that offers RV rentals & will deliver & set up right at the fairgrounds! Carlton Camping Center (RV dealership) is 3 miles down the road & offers RV rentals at $100 a night plus tax, fees & insurance .. they will deliver, set up & then haul away when your done. All nice new RV rentals that sleep at minimum 4 people up to 7 people. But they only have 5 units available so you'll want to make sure you book it right away! You can book an RV rental here: https://www.carltonrv.com/rvrentals If you'd rather stay in a motel/hotel there are several options for that as well.. - Prices may have changed since posting this, always call to verify pricing & do your research - Chesaning Inn & Suites - 2.7 miles away 12898 Brady Rd / M-57, Chesaning, MI, 48616 Rates start at $143 a night The Stone House Inn - 1.8 miles away 405 W Broad St, Chesaning, MI, 48616 Rates start at $135 a night Oak Creek Lodge (Richard Bush Renewal Center) - 11.3 miles away 21575 Brady Rd, Bannister, MI, 48807 Rates start at $165 a night Comstock Inn - 14.5 miles away 300 E Main St, Owosso, MI, 48867 Rates start at $119 a night The Pines Country Inn - 15.8 miles away 1730 E Main St / M-21, Owosso, MI, 48867 Rates start at $90 a night Country Inn & Suites - 24.6 miles away 12112 S Beyer Rd, Birch Run, MI, 48415 Rates start at $77 a night Holiday Inn Express - 25.4 miles away 12150 Dixie Hwy, Birch Run, MI, 48415 Rates start at $110 a night Bavarian Inn Lodge - 32.1 miles away 1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI, 48734 Rates start at $175 a night There are many name brand larger hotels as well in Saginaw, MI or Flint, MI both of which are about 35-40 miles away that may be a good option if looking for something more familiar & higher quality. As well, there are several AirBnb rentals in Chesaning, New Lothrop, Montrose, Birch Run, Frakenmuth, Flushing, Owosso..etc that all are within a 30 minute drive to the venue. We do not help with hotel accommodation's and we do not have any affiliation with any hotels. We recommend renting a RV so you can be close to the action & support our sponsor Carlton Camping Center! https://www.carltonrv.com/rvrentals
- 10The fairgrounds are quite large, so there will be a lot of walking. From the bathrooms, to the exhibit hall, to vendor spaces, to the car show area, to the campground, to the grandstands you'll be walking to get to everything. The roads are paved to each area so it is wheelchair friendly. You are welcome to bring bicycles if you'd so wish, but please ride them respectfully & watch out for other attendees. We are not responsible for a lost or stolen bicycle. No motorized bikes or scooters allowed. Our staff has a golf cart as well, so if you need assistance getting somewhere, please ask. We are happy to accommodate any friendly 'Dust Upper' the best we can, but please be courteous to staff, they are busy.
- 11All sales are FINAL. No refunds, no exchanges on tickets, wristbands, camping or merch. This event is rain or shine. No refunds will be given for ANY reason. Your ticket costs are going to a good cause, so don't be a dick. No whinners, no complainers, no "Karens", no assholes ... come have a good time or stay at home. Not everyone will win a trophy, it's not that type of show, if you are someone who gets "butt hurt" over not winning a trophy or not parking next to a buddy or whatever the case may be, this is not the show for you. We are here to have a good time and help kids with heart defects.
- 12All sales are FINAL – no refunds and no exchanges. This show is rain or shine. There is a large exhibitor hall building to go inside & shop, hang out & eat if it does rain.. but we aren't afraid of no rain! If you are the kind of person that can't drive in the rain or needs to cover your car if it rains, this may not be the event for you. No divas or drama queens. Only tickets purchased through the-dust-up.com are valid. If you purchased from an unauthorized source and/or the ticket is counterfeit, you will not be allowed entry, sorry! Don't follow those links on Facebook. Tickets will be emailed immediately after purchase. To gain entry to The Dust Up, present your barcoded ticket receipt at the gate in exchange for a wristband. Wristbands must be worn securely on your wrist so they cannot be slipped on and off. Wristbands must be worn upon exit in order to re-enter that same day, weekend wristbands may enter the next day as well. Wristbands are NON-TRANSFERABLE and NON-EXCHANGEABLE. DO NOT REMOVE, stretch or tamper with your wristband in any way or you will not be allowed entry. This event raises funds for several heart charities, so don't be a dick! If your wristband is removed by show security/event staff for any reason, it WILL NOT be replaced. All ticket holders must pass through security and bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited items will be confiscated. Prohibited items into the festival grounds include but are not limited to outside alcohol, glass bottles, weapons of any kind, including but not limited to guns, knives, axes, hatches or baseball bats. This policy applies to everyone, including those with concealed carry permits. No weapons of any kind are permitted. Please leave them at home. You will not be allowed in the gates with a weapon. This is for the safety of all event goers.. sorry if that offends you! This is event for a good cause, save the drama for Facebook.
- 13Yes, we have space for trailers to be parked on the far end of the parking lot. If you show up with a trailer, our staff will guide you where to park it. Though, we highly encourage you drive your vehicle to the show. That is what this show is about, taking a road trip, hitting the country roads, living back in the 50's & having a fun weekend!
- 14Items lost or found at the show may be collected/turned in at the main building in The Dust Up booth. After the show, we will make every attempt to reunite found items with their owners. Anything major (phones, wallets, keys) not claimed at the show will be posted on our Facebook page. If not claimed after one month the item(s) will be donated to a local organization or thrown away.
- 15Yes! We encourage you to bring cash & a lot of it. You'll want cash for merch, food & plenty for the art auction on Saturday. If you don't have cash, but want to buy something, we will also accept Venmo & PayPal, but it must be done as Friends/Family so there are no fee's & we ask you put in the description "heart donation" so we can keep track of funds properly. There are no ATM's on site, but the town of Chesaning is 5 minutes away where you will find Citizen Bank, State Bank & United Financial Credit Union. They will be open until 4 or 5 pm during the week & noon on Saturday (depending which one you go to) but ATM's outside are open 24/7. You may also use the "cash back" function at many of the stores & gas stations in town.
- 16Hell yeah! and we ask that you do! Volunteers who put in the required hours receive FREE ADMISSION to The Dust Up. We could not put on this show without the help of many, many volunteers. Please consider being one of them. There are many jobs and shifts to choose from. You choose the ones you want. See our Facebook page for volunteer sign up link, we post it typically a 2 weeks or so before the event. All registration and assignments are done online in advance. You know exactly what, when and where you will be working, because you chose it. You can even sign up to work with friends! Volunteer for 2 hours to receive free weekend admission. Anyone working 4 hours or more will also receive a free Dust Up t-shirt. Snacks and beverages are provided for volunteers as well. Jobs include; show car parking, camper check in, vendor check in & set up, car guideline inspectors (making sure cars fit the correct category where they are parked) Wednesday/Thursday/Friday set up, Sunday clean up, Merch sales, security, race operations, flag girls, trash dumping, bathroom clean up & more.
- 17Yes! Children 12 and under will get in for free when accompanied by a paid adult. Children are the next generation of hot rodders. We encourage you to bring them. We will have several events for children, for example Saturday afternoon we will have Trunk or Treating, face painting, bounce houses, power wheels racing & more. We are not responsible for curse words picked up over the weekend or trips to the principal’s office Monday morning because they won't stop talking about how cool The Dust Up was!
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- 19Contact Vehicle City Vixens out of Flint, MI. They are in charge of putting on the pin up contest, their email is vcvixens@gmail.com , they will be in touch with you on the next steps to take! Watch Facebook for sign up information. Typically only 20 spots available, so DO NOT WAIT! https://www.facebook.com/VCVRockabillyQueens
- 20Sorry, no dogs allowed, unless they are a service dog required for a medical condition. Emotional support dogs do not qualify. We are big animal lovers & have several dogs ourselves but the fairgrounds and our insurance does NOT allow dogs on the premise. So, please leave them at home. Do not leave them in your camper, in your car, or in the parking lot. You will not be allowed in with a dog unless it is a service dog with proper qualifications, on a leash & under your control. A service animal is a dog who is individually trained to do work or perform tasks that are directly related to and mitigate the handler’s disability. For example, a service animal may be trained to navigate for someone who is blind, retrieve items for someone in a wheelchair, or lead someone with PTSD to a safe location during an episode. All other species of animal, trained or untrained, are not recognized as service animals in Michigan and are not required to be admitted into covered entities under the ADA such as grocery stores, state and local government facilities, events, hotels, hospitals, etc More info on service dogs in Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcr/service-animals/documents/faq.pdf?rev=e946e4e0c2f54260ab503e42c22883f4
- 21Camping is $39 per night for an electric site (15/30 amp) & $29 a night for a rustic site with no electric. 62 electric (30 amp) sites 15 vintage camper (15 amp) sites 53 rustic non electric camp sites will also be available. These are grass sites, in an open fenced in campground, with no trees. See the camping page on the website for photos. A water fill station & a dump station is located on site. Showers & bathrooms are located in the main building, as well as on the outside of the main building, a short walk from the campground, past the propane pig near the gate. The campground will have a porta-potty as well for use. Camping can be purchased under the 'Buy Tickets' tab that is featured on most pages. You may be able to buy camping at the gate, but no guarantees any spots will be available so best to reserve ahead of time Need an RV rental for the weekend? Carlton Camping Center (RV dealership) is 3 miles down the road & offers RV rentals at $100 a night plus tax, fees & insurance .. they will deliver, set up & then haul away when all done. All nice new RV rentals that sleep at minimum 4 people up to 7 people. But they only have 5 units available so you'll want to make sure you book it right away! You can book an RV rental here :https://www.carltonrv.com/rvrentals If you wish to have a campfire, you must provide your own above ground fire ring. The campground does not have any fire rings. Please extinguish all fires before leaving your campsite or going to sleep for the night. Keep campfires a safe distance from your camper or tent, as well as your neighbors. Campground does not offer picnic tables, so bring your own if you'd like. We encourage you to decorate your campsite for Halloween! We will have a contest for best / most decorated Halloween themed camper on Saturday afternoon, so bring some lights & decorations & make it festive! Sorry, no dogs allowed, unless they are a service dog required for a medical condition. Emotional support dogs do not qualify. We are big animal lovers & have several dogs ourselves but the fairgrounds and our insurance does NOT allow dogs on the premise. So, please leave them at home. Do not leave them in your camper, in your car, or in the parking lot. You will not be allowed in with a dog unless it is a service dog with proper qualifications, on a leash & under your control. Please haul away any & all trash, as the campground does not have a dumpster. "Don't trash the bash" keep the campground clean & looking as nice as you found it! Buying a campsite pass, does not get you entry into the event. You must also buy tickets, per person additionally to your campsite pass, if you are camping. Camping is not required, just makes it more convenient to stay at the grounds & enjoy everything that is going on all weekend. Sites will go FAST, so don't wait to book! We can't guarantee there will be any sites left the weekend of the event, so we recommend booking online ASAP! - NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANY REASON -
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- 23We love vendors and would love to have you at our event. You must sign up under the vendor page on the website. You will fill in all your info and there will be a spot to pay at the end of the form. We offer indoor and outdoor spaces as well as swap meet spots. Indoor spots are roughly 10 x 10 Outdoor spots are roughly 10 x 20 Food trucks / trailers / tents are roughly 20 x 30 (must run generator or buy electric) Swap meet spots (auto parts) are roughly 20 x 20 Vendor move in is the day before the event opens to the public from 3 PM to 7 PM Day of show move in for vendors is allowed from 6 AM to 9 AM (must be fully set up by 9 AM when public gates open) Vendors can vend until 5 PM, after 5 PM events are happening on the track and not many people walking around. You are welcome to stay up until everything closes down though, if you wish More Vendor Info: Vendor booths include 2 admission wristbands. If you need additional wristbands for staff or family, they will be sold at $5 a piece (kids 12 & under free) Camping is available at $39 per night. Includes 15 amp & 30 amp electric. Water fill station/dump station & bathrooms/shower. Must book camping on our website under the tickets section & put that your a vendor in notes. You must be fully cleaned out by Sunday at 10AM. You are responsible to keep your booth & area clean. Please throw away any trash. No electricity is provided unless you pay for it ($20 indoors, $50 outdoors) You must provide your own table, chairs, tents, signs..etc Vendors assume all risks of loss or damage to merchandise or property. Rain or shine event. No refunds for any reason will be given. No exceptions. Event hosts are not responsible for injury, death, or any bodily arm that may occur. Insurance is highly recommended to carry for the duration of the event. No security staff on site. Don't leave merchandise unprotected. Must follow all fairgrounds, federal, state, county & local rules & laws. Event hosts have the right to kick you out or remove you from the event if deemed necessary. No drama. No complaining. Event is for a good cause. Have fun. Spread the word, help it grow! If you do not pay on the form, your spot is not saved and you will not be allowed to vend. NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON AT ANY TIME. See MAP at bottom of this page for vendor locations
- 24Your vehicle must be licensed, insured & you must be 16 years or older, with a valid drivers license. Liability form is required to be filled out & signed to compete, you can find this online or in the exhibit hall at the merch booth Winner of the contest, by judges and crowd applause will win a $250 prize This will be one of the last events at the track area, happening around 5 PM on Saturday night Burn out contest will take place near the grand stands and dirt track. No one is allowed beyond the fencing for your own safety
- 25The Dead Pedal Dust Up is a rain, storm, snow or shine event. Ticket is for The Dead Pedal Dust Up general admission, not for a specific activity, event, act or artist. Artists, events, acts and schedule are subject to change without notice. Artist, events, acts and schedule cancellation are not grounds for any refund. The ticket is a revocable license for the time/date listed on the ticket. “Management” means The Dead Pedal Dust Up, Justin Carlton, Korey Carlton, the Carlton family, and their staff/affiliates. Management reserves the right without the refund of any portion of the ticket purchase price, to refuse admission or to eject any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, local, state or federal law or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly, or offensive by Management. Persons entering the facility are subject to search for contraband and for prohibited weapons. Ticket user bears all risks of personal injury or theft incidental to the event, whether occurring before, during or after the event. Ticket user bears all risks, including cancellation of the event and of inclement weather. The resale or attempted resale of the ticket for a price higher than that appearing on the ticket is prohibited and if discovered will result in the ticket being voided without refund. The ticket may not be used for advertising promotion (including contests and sweepstakes), or other trade purposes without the express written consent of Management. Ticket user consents to Management’s use of their image or likeness incidental to any photo, video display, transmission, advertising or recording of the event. NO REFUNDS will be given for any reason for anything including vending, entry wristband, merch, camping..etc , no matter how much you whine.
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fun for everyone .. for a great cause .. one event you don't want to miss
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