The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
DEMOLITION DERBY DOESN’T DISAPPOINT
Lake County Fair ends with a bang
For decades, the last day of the Lake County Fair has brought people from all walks of life together to share a common bond over shredded metal: the everpopular demolition derby.
Whether it’s the roar of the un-muffled engines, the muddy spray that signals the wrecks’ wheels are spinning or the unmistakable knock of metal plowing into metal, people just love to watch these vehicles get pulverized.
“I think this is pretty good,” said Eastlake native Stewart Moyer, now a Windermere, Fla. resident. “I have a hobby working on cars and the next best thing to fixing them is taking ‘em out and getting ‘em demolished.”
Although he said July 29 was only his second time as a demolition-derby spectator, he’d be all for trying it, himself.
“Oh, I’d love to try doing it,” he said as the tires spun in the mud and the engines roared in the distance.
For years, the Lake County Fair’s demolition derby only took place on the event’s final day. But, for the last few years, there’s been a Tuesday installment, too, said Fair Advertising and Sponsorships Chairman Robert J. Dawson, who added that the crowd at this year’s last-day demolition derby
“Of course I’d recommend it. It’s fun — good, family-friendly fun!” — Brandon Miller, a Painesville native
along with July 29’s attendance in general, will likely be some numbers for the history books.
“Today’s been excellent. This is a record or a nearrecord Sunday,” he said between demolition-derby car classes, adding that the week’s rainy hijinx made attendance anything but record-breaking earlier — especially July 24, 25 and 26. “But today, between it being Latino Day, with all the music and families coming in, and (the demolition derby) happening, attendance has really picked up.”
He said, thanks to the July 29 boost, attendance could approach, or even top, last year’s nearly 95,000 visitors.
“We’re hoping, despite that first three days, we’ll be where we’re supposed to be, which is around 90,000 people,” he said.
In other record-breaking news, Dawson said this year’s livestock auction garnered a whopping $180,000, thanks to the support of area residents who bid often and bid high.
“That’s up $38,000 from last year, which is an alltime record,” he said, beaming. “I mean, looking at this, today, we could not have asked for more from this community, especially how they came out and supported the kids. We can’t thank Lake County enough for all they’ve done for us.”
Back to the carnage that is crumpled cars, Dawson said he estimated that, between the fans in the grandstand, in the standing-room only areas and those with pit passes, there were about 6,000 demolition-derby spectators on hand July 29.
One group of them — a Painesville family and friends — said they thought the wreckage was wonderful to watch.
“This was our first time,” said Meredith Phillips, who was accompanied by husband, Brandon, 6-yearold son Georgie, 5-yearold daughter, Aubrey, and about four other kids, some friends and some relatives.
When asked about his first impression of a demolition derby, Georgie said “Good! It was cool!”
He seemed to like the Pro-Stock Full-size event best, he said, taking interest in one car in particular.
“I liked the middle (event) because I liked the blue car,” he confirmed.
Another in the group — 12-year-old Gavin Miller — said he thought the demo derby was “Awesome.”
“I liked it ‘cause it was loud and I like things that crash into each other,” he said.
Eleven-year-old Sammy
Reynolds concurred.
“I thought it was awesome,” he said. “I liked the (Pro-Stock Full-size event) because, in the beginning, they just started crashing into each other right away and it was really loud.”
He did say he got a little bored at the end, though, when the battered vehicles began to slow down due to their damaged state.
“They were going slow and not really doing too much then,” he said.
Gavin said he felt similar, but could relate to the slower pace at the end, thanks to his own racing experience.
“I can understand that because I had a race-car (video) game and, the more they crashed, the more they slowed down,” he said.
Brandon Miller, a Painesville native, said he’s always come to the fair and often planned his visit to coincide with the demolition derbies.
“I’m from Painesville, so I try and come every year,” he said, adding that the demolition derby is great entertainment. “Oh, it’s fun and exciting. I mean, the expressions (the kids) make when the cars hit each other — it’s just amazing — priceless.”
He added that the crowd’s excitement is contagious, too, which makes it an especially fun event.
“It was a very active crowd,” he said, adding that he’d have no problem recommending it to others. “Of course I’d recommend it. It’s fun — good, familyfriendly fun!”
Brandon’s daughter, 14-year-old Amirah-Jade, said she could have done without the Kids Power Wheels opener. But, once the adults and their motor vehicles took center stage, she was into it.
“As it got going, with the crashes, it got more interesting,” she said. “Plus, the announcer was entertaining. I liked all the funny things that guy said.”
The latest generation of demolition derbies at the Lake County Fair are presented by Madison-based Derbydog Productions.