Spectators fill grandstands for Smashing Cancer Demo Derby
Published 6:50 am Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Mud flies as vehicles collide during the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Marcus Otomo lays down the throttle in reverse during the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Cars come together in a heap during the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
People watch from the top of a snow pile the start of the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Mud flies as cars collide during the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Brandon Blanchard (3x) and Marcus Otomo (24) collide during the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Mower County Fairgrounds. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Despite the event being pushed back a week due to weather, more than 500 people, one of its biggest crowds ever, and 58 demolition derby cars showed up to the Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby, part of Paint the Town Pink.
The event was held Saturday at the Mower County Fairgrounds.
Kevin Finley, president of the Fair Board, said the event went really well as spectators filled the stands and the pit to watch the cars go at it.
Finley said there was not a lot of concern about how the event would go on after being pushed back a week due to snow. It was a decision the Board knew it had to make.
“We’ve got a good cause and a good fundraiser we’re doing for it,” Finley said. “The last thing you want is a tragedy or something to happen to a spectator coming to watch or someone coming to demo themself.”
On Saturday, the weather ended up being perfect for the event.
“It all worked out pretty well,” Finley said.
All proceeds from the event, other than what is used to pay for expenses, such as food and drink vendors and prizes, are donated to Paint the Town Pink.
A number of businesses donated items for a silent auction, while some winners donated their winnings back to the fund, according to Finley. Because of this, along with some bills the group is still waiting for, final numbers on how much money was raised are not available.
The event began seven years ago as a way for the Fair Board to be part of the growing Paint the Town Pink
“It was our way as a Board to do something for Paint the Town Pink,” Finley said.
What has made him stick with it over the years is that it is a way to help people going through cancer and their families.
“The little bit of time we put in to try and help make a difference, that can change your family, my family or anybody else’s,” Finley said.
If people want to get more information about the event, or make a donation through it, they can contact the Fair office at the Fairgrounds or call Finley at (507) 460-0255.
Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby results:
80’s Chain Class
- 1st – Bradley Kish
- 2nd – Colton Neuhalfen
- 3rd – Daniel Kish
- HH – David Fitzpatrick
Compact Class
- 1st – Jason Duffy
- 2nd – Dan Anderly
- 3rd – Caden Crews
- HH – Jason Deyo
Trucks
- 1st – Andrew Eischens
- 2nd – Tony Carlson
- 3rd – Ryan Hinrichs
- HH – Dan Batdorf
Fullsize
- 1st – Jeremy Kish
- 2nd – Nick Richardson
- 3rd – Mike Gaines & HH
Midsize
- 1st – Jacob Johnson & HH & Overall HH
- 2nd – Austin Ross
- 3rd – Jonathan Wratz
Mini
- 1st – Brandon Blanchard
- 2nd – Logan Otomo
- 3rd – Marcus Otomo
- HH – Andy Majerus
