WESTLOCK — More than 2,000 spectators took in the annual demolition derby that wrapped up the 108th-annual Westlock and District Agricultural Fair on Aug.18.
“It was almost packed right around the arena again,” said derby organizer Byron Boutin. “The weather was great again, everything went really well.”
Boutin noted a shorter event this year due to fewer participants for a second consecutive year.
“We didn’t have as many cars as we’d like to but a lot of the derbys we’ve been going to across the province have seen less cars this year,” he said, adding that although he wasn’t sure of the reasons behind the decrease, he did note that cars and trucks are built to last longer these days.
“There were less cars this year again. Last year we had 15 and we’re down to nine big cars, two mini-cars and five trucks,” explained Boutin. “It is really competitive these days and it’s a little tougher to derby these days.”
Despite the lower numbers, Boutin was pleased with the event and the turnout, and considered it another success.
“Overall, the derby went really well. There was a lot of hard-hitting and the fans were really happy,” said Boutin. “That’s the main thing. If the fans are happy with what we’re doing there, we’ll keep having it and I’ll keep running it.”
This year, winners were awarded in several categories including cars, trucks, mad dog cars, mini cars, and best dressed. They included:
Cars winners - Dylan Boutin (1st), Jase Boutin (2nd) and Jayden Boutin (3rd)
Trucks winners - Scott Elliott (1st), Kane Ross (2nd) and Blake Hassan (3rd)
Mad dog cars – Ryan Schlachter
Mini Cars – Jarid Wulff
Best Dressed – Arvin Aleqo
