The final entertainment of the 2018 Whiteside County Fair was the Demolition Derby, on Saturday, August 18, 2018, which started after its scheduled 6:30 p.m. start time. Grandstand and bleacher seats could not contain all the observers, and some stood along the south end.
Morrison Fire Department First Assistant Chief Joe Bielema held an engine-top view, which enabled him to signal firemen when needed. He is shown watching the second of two Wire Compact elimination heats. Fourty-five cars ran in heats of 21 and 24, respectively. Thirteen would survive to enter the Compact Weld class later.
There were “close to 100 cars here” to participate in Robbo’s Extreme Derby Productions; this is the third year of his management. Rob Mahnesmith (circle center with arm raised), his wife, Kellie, and track crew offered heats for tykes, a Memorial Tribute, and seven heats for those 16 and over.
The event began with a trumpet solo of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Mike McCoy. He celebrates his 30th year as Sterling High School Band and Marching Band Instructor.
In the opener, 11 vehicles–carried onto the track by parents–were entered in the free, Power Wheels event. Like adult entrants, some held two children. There is no age limit. First the tots drive around the track, sometimes all over the track, sometimes pursuing another vehicle, but not always. One little one headed off alone to the end of the enclosure, never looking at where he/she was headed, but over his/her shoulder at the distant kids. Occasionally, children make deliberate contact, like the pickup truck drivers. After several minutes, the crew lines up the cars, jeeps, ATV’s, and trucks side-by-side at one end of the track, for a sprint to the flag. The child who sped-and-led was awarded a goodie bag.
Five cars, caring sons and family members of the late Amy Sturtz, entered and parked on the field for a few minutes. They were there not to compete at this point, but to honor her memory. Three of her sons entered heats that night.
18-28 / SATURDAY DEMO DERBY
Photos are of each heat; the first place driver; the Mad Dog recipient.
Jason Vandereide from Fulton, IL, took first place in the Open Wire division at the Fair’s Saturday Demolition Derby. He earned $1600 in prize money.
Open Wire (23 cars)
1. Jason Vandereide; 2. Brad Bielema; 3. Steven Kuehl
Mad Dog – Clint Shepard
Mini Van (6 vehicles)
1. Cassie Buyers (left); 2. Tim Wright; 3. Ryan Wiersema
Mad Dog – Tim Wright
Compact Weld (13 cars)
1. Willie Davis (also Mad Dog); 2. Tanner Hall; 3. Kodi Cade
Compact Wire (23 cars culled from two initial Wire Compact heats)
1. Bob Bertolozzi; 2. Allyson Tomman; 3. Jamie Bertolozzi
Mad Dog – Harley Conklin
Open Weld (8 cars)
1. Ron Dykeman; 2. Curt Poff; 3. Brick Boss
Mad Dog (and 4th place) – Blake Neely
Competition continued after the final heat, as two, soon-to-retire Morrison Fire Department members turned hoses on each other. They were Randy Betts, left, and David Brandon. Both tied for first place in service to Morrison and the surrounding communities.
