Two years ago, it was a big hit in its debut. And Jared Belt thinks it will be again this year when trucks will be allowed in this year's Crittenden County Lions Club Fair demolition derby."The crowd loves it," Belt, organizer of this year's derby said Friday, just one day before the fair's most popular event takes place.
Belt said the truck heat debuted in 2006 to much success. The event this year will be a single, winner-take-all heat.
As organizer of the event this year, Belt has had calls every day about the derby. Because of the interest, he's not concerned about participant numbers even though some neighboring county fairs have seen a drop-off in derby entries due, in part, to the increased value of scrap metal and the dwindling number of operational rear-wheel drive cars.
"Our numbers will be affected a little, but I don't think we'll have the problem some others have had," Belt said.
Though the derby, which begins at 7 p.m., Saturday at the fairgrounds in Marion, is typically the highest draw of the week-long fair, Belt said attendance at Thursday's truck pulls was one of the best ever.
"It'll have to be pretty good to beat last night," he said Friday of expected derby crowd in comparison to the truck pull onlookers.
Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6-15 and a free for anyone 5 and under.
Participants in this year's derby can sign up at the fairgrounds Saturday, prior to the 7 p.m., start. For information, contact Belt at 871-4502.
