County Fair Time!

by Krista Norton | July 25, 2024

The Hamilton County Fair is in full swing with many fun activities for everyone. 
It began Thursday, July 18, when Ann Palmer was crowned Silver Queen at the VIP Center. Her princesses were Lola Fox, Marcia Ashmore and Ellie Seba. Following the coronation was the 4-H Fashion Revue.
Friday night’s Barnyard Mardi Gras Parade brought a few sprinkles, but the show went on. There was a good turnout considering the rain forecasted. Approximately 15 entries were welcomed by a large crowd up and down Main Street. The parade had horses, a tractor, fire trucks, and everything from candidates running for office to community and 4-H club floats.
The annual crowd pleaser, the Demolition Derby, welcomed approximately 1,000 people, according to Fair Board President, Carol Limon. Young and old alike come out to watch cars and pickups chase each other around the arena and smash each other up in hopes of bringing home some cash. 
This year’s event was organized by Ride or Die Productions, Austin Wilson. Wilson’s first derby was in 2013 in Syracuse. He learned Greg Watson and his family were no longer promoting the event and tossed around the idea of helping out. 
He did not want to see the derby in Syracuse die and while he would rather be a participant, he agreed to keep it going so when he got the call, saying yes to put it together. 
“I’ll give it to Greg Watson, for his many years and everything he did to keep it going when car counts were not looking good, “said Wilson, “He put in a lot of effort and kept the show going, I learned a lot watching him do his thing!” 
Going forward, Wilson’s goal was to have a good car count, including locals, and wanted the track to be fast. “We managed to dodge the rain, we tried a lot of new things, I did not have a lot of complaints, but there is always room for improvement.” 
“Every driver that drove said they loved it and would be back,” said Wilson, “Some did not drive because they were driving at other events, but encouraged Wilson by saying they would be driving next year.” 
The event kicked off with the power wheels class, also known as the kid’s toys, “We had three entries, but Joslyn Rivas was the only one who was not afraid of the crowd, and went out and drove around,” said Wilson. 
Drivers compete in compact, stock, limited weld, and pickup. “The compact class is cheaper, cars are easier to find, drivers can add some plates, bumpers and they are good to go,” said Wilson. First was Trenton Hill, second, Hunter Haney, third, Taylor Jones, Mad Dog winner was local driver, Gunnar Upson., displaying the most entertaining or spectacular show.  
Wilson explaining the limited weld class said, “I wish I was joking about this, but I am not, these guys have about twenty to thirty thousand in these cars,” explained Wilson. 
They are allowed to weld more plates, engine protectors, “You would see these at the bigger shows,” said Wilson. First was Heath Schultz, second, Kyle Bremer, third, Andrew Homer and the Mad Dog Dog, Andrew Homer. 
The pickup class, Wilson’s favorite, “It’s the toughest class, if you like to get beat around, this is the one to sign up for,” he laughed, “They’re heavy and cause a lot of damage but they are fun to watch.”  First was Justin Lennox, second, Albert McCombs, and third, local driver, Merlin Kuder, and the Mad Dog, Justin Lennox. 
“Stock is a great way to get into the sport,” said Wilson, “Drivers can weld on a couple plates, change the bumpers, put in a different rear end if you want, and a motor of your choice.”
For the main event, drivers draw a number out of a bucket, either one or two. “They run their heats, and after their heat, they have the evening to fix their cars,” explained Wilson, “If they can get them running, they come back and compete against everybody that is left for the big check. 
First was local driver, Ben Stultz, second, Garrett Wilson, third, Chase Moellering, fourth, Justin Lennox, fifth, driving the derby raffle car, Jory Frieson, Mad Dog, Garth Swan, and Ultimate Mad Dog winner, Riley Waggoner
Looking back Wilson admits the organization was enormous, “But it all came together,” said Wilson, “I want to thank Anita Dupree for all the time she put in before the show.” 
“I know she is a pain, and you can print that in the paper that I called her that! If it wasn’t for her getting things ready, the grandstands, fencing, getting things cleaned up and ready to go, it would have been a lot harder,” said Wilson. 
He also appreciated his judges, his mom, Melissa, sister Reagen, and everyone who helped when he needed it. Also, Tierny DeWitt, Darrin DeWitt, and Parke Hawkins, 
for helping transport wrecked cars out of the track area. 
“And the people in the announcer’s booth, including Keith Simon, and Dalin Melcher,” said Wilson, “Without all the people who stepped in to help, the derby would not have been the success it was.”