The fast and furious Drumheller Demolition Derby is great fun for all ages and will be hosting its 25th annual event at the Stampede Barn from Saturday, August 16, to Sunday, August 17.
The Stampede Barn is located at Dinosaur Downs, along Highway 9 South at the top of the hill. Turn east at the Drumheller Institution and follow the road.
The Derby is one of the longest running annual events in Drumheller and cars will be fighting hard for victory, as this year’s total purse will be at around $10,000.
“They must be crazy to smash into each other the way
they do, but it’s that element of risk that keeps both the participants
and the fans coming back year after year,” said Vice President of the
Ag Society Larry Duxbury.
The favourite event at the Derby is the eight
cylinder class race which features powerful cars going for a victory
prize of $3500.
“The eight cylinder race is simply a classic,” said Duxbury.
Other events at the Derby include a 4 cylinder class event, a truck demo, and the Powder Puff event.
The Derby started back in 1983 with a fundraiser provided by Bob Davidson.
Davidson would not only start the first derby but would actually end up winning the event.
“There was a whole bunch of guys in it,” said
Davidson. “I won the event, only because the local guys didn’t have the
experience.”
The event has seen tremendous community support
through the years and in celebration of its 25th anniversary the band
Live and in Stereo will be putting on a concert during the event.
Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, and the cars get rocking at noon.
