The annual Demolition Derby will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, at Rotary Field in Stuart.
Sponsored by Patrick County Tourism, ValleyStar Credit Union, and the Rotary Club of Stuart, the event will be hosted by Sarge and Sons Demolition Derby of Ohio.
Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. The children’s Power Wheels Derby begins at 6 p.m., followed by derby classes at 7 p.m.
Rotary Club of Stuart President Christy Bentley said the derby is scheduled the weekend before the Patrick County Fair begins to avoid parking issues.
“In the past we have had some challenges with parking. So, we experimented with it and held the demolition derby the weekend before the fair last year, and it turned out very successful. We had a huge turnout last year, and we hope to repeat that this year,” she said.
In addition to the four standard classes, Bentley said there will also be a powder puff class for women and the children’s Power Wheels Derby.
A cash prize of $4,800 will be divided among the four class winners.
“Drivers from all over have been getting their cars ready. They’re going to be rip-roaring and ready to go. It’s an exciting night, it really is. I’m excited about the demolition derby; it’s always a good time,” Bentley said.
She estimated at least 1,200 people attended last year’s event.
“We hope to have more. We thought it was extremely successful last year, and I really hope that we will have more this year. The demolition derby is always one of those things where we’re just so dag-gone busy, it’s hard to keep count of how many come,” she said.
The Pickle & Ash Food Truck and the Patrick County Band Boosters will sell concessions.
“There should be plenty of food for everybody to eat and two different vendors to provide it,” Bentley said.
The entry fee is $50 per vehicle. Pit passes are $15 each.
The first 20 pre-registered drivers who participate will each receive $100. There is no registration deadline.
“They can show up that night,” Bentley said.
Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 7 to 12, and free for children 6 and under.
For entry forms and more information, call Clyde Crissman at (276) 694-4217. For rules or questions, visit www.sarge-demo-derby.com.
