Culture
Demo Derby to Benefit Area Fire Departments
By: Sarah Hawley | Athens Messenger staff reporter
Posted on:
Crashing and smashing for a good cause.
The Richland Area Volunteer Fire Department and the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Department will once again host a demolition derby to benefit the two departments.
The all day event will take place at the Athens County Fairgrounds on June 20.
This year “Crash-n-Bash and Shine and Show” will expand to offer a variety of events including a car show, additional demo derby classes and an auto parts swap meet.
Gates will open at 10 a.m., with registration for motorized events to begin at 1 p.m.
The car show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the Power Wheels speed pit at 4 p.m. There will be two categories for the Power Wheels with ages 3-6 and ages 6-9.
For the demo derby, mowers will begin at 6 p.m., followed by cars and trucks at 7 p.m. Classes will include stock and welded compact cars, stock and welded V8, full size and mini trucks, and street stock cars.
The derby has grown from the first year when there were only four classes in the event to become an all-day extravaganza this year according to Dale Sinclair who helps to organize the event for the Richland Area department.
There will be raffles for two cars to be driven in the evening’s event, as well as the Aaron’s Hot Seat, which will be a couch located right by the track where the raffle winner will be able to sit for the event.
This is the fifth year for the event to be hosted by Richland Area, and the second time for Jacksonville to be involved.
Funds raised are divided between the two departments. For Richland Area, the department uses the money for special projects such as supporting area families at Christmas time and making donations to other organizations.
Last year, Jacksonville used the money raised to purchase a rescue boat and boat trailer.
More than $10,000 in prize money will be given away at the event. Prize money and other items have been donated for the event.
General admission for the event is $5, with all proceeds benefiting the two fire departments.