Demolition derby draws sell-out crowd

The only thing louder than the derby cars at the SEMO District Fair on Tuesday night was the crowd.

The Auto Tire and Parts dual demolition derby began at 7 p.m., and tickets were sold out about an hour later. According to Chris Weiss, fair board treasurer, that's about 3,000 tickets.

He said the derby, a big draw for the fair each year, didn't sell out last year, but this was not the first year the ticket booth closed early.

This year's derby featured more than 70 modified cars and mini-cars competing in a series of heats to declare a champion in each division. The four-hour event featured flinging mud, smoking engines and more than a few bumpers flying off vehicles.

Danny Richardson of Sikeston, Mo., said he has participated in a few demolition derbies but likes to come to the one at the SEMO District Fair "just to watch."

"It's a hobby of mine," he said. "Between work and everything else, I don't have much time for it, but I still enjoy the chance to watch other people when I can."

Although it was only the second heat, Richardson said the drivers "were putting on a pretty good show."

Ally Carter is a sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University. This was her first time attending the fair and the derby.

"It's a little louder than I expected," she said.

Carter said she didn't really understand all the rules, but it did not stop her from enjoying the derby.

"It's like being at a football game or any other sport: The crowd gets really into it so you do, too," Carter said. "Plus, you can tell that all the guys out there really take it seriously."

Some of the younger audience members had mixed reactions to Tuesday night's derby. A few families left the derby early with little ones covering their ears.

"I think the noise was just a little bit much for him," Rachel White said as she carried her 5-year-old son Bradley to the exit gate.

Six-year-old Riley Miller, on the other hand, was on her feet cheering most of the night. This was her second time attending the derby, and she said the noise was no problem.

"This is my favorite part of the whole fair," she said. "The best part is when the cars crash into each other."

Other events held earlier Tuesday night were the mother and daughter look-alike contest and the baby girl contest.

The next grandstand event is the 13th annual Heartland Idol, a free event that begins 7 p.m. today. Other events include the father and son look-alike contest at 5:30 p.m., the baby boys contest at 6 p.m. and the twins look-alike contest at 7 p.m.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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