Feeling tense or stressed? Need a way to release your aggressions and unwind? Then make your way to the Newton County fairgrounds! On Saturday evening, July 17th , the Newton County Fair, with the sponsorship of Kentland Elevator & Supply, will present the ever popular Demolition Derby . Each year's edition of the demo derby proves to be a unique performance. Different cars, drivers and emotions make all demo derbies exciting and fun to watch. Demo Derby organizer, Jeff Strasburger, is running the show and is also responsible for conducting demo derbies at other county fairs. It is his responsibility to supervise the condition of the track and enforce the rules. He supplies his own crew of workers including two judges, an announcer, pit stewards and secretaries. Feature purse of this year's event includes $1000 for the feature winner!

Competition is divided according to the number of entries. Normally four or five heats are conducted to select the final group of cars and drivers. Two cars from each heat are allowed to participate in the feature and compete for the first place prize money and the trophy. Winners of each heat are given a trophy. The winner is the final driver who makes the last hit of the contest.

Car preparation by the drivers normally begins months before the fair. Certain alterations such as removing glass, moving the gas tank to a secure position inside the car and cutting a hole in the hood above the carburetor are allowed. Other alterations such as moving the radiator or fan or reinforcing parts of the car are prohibited. All details are clearly outlined in the official rules. During the competition, drivers are timed between hits on other cars. Each driver must hit another car within a one minute time period. If they fail to do so they are out of the competition. Drivers can be disqualified if the car door opens, or if the drivers deliberately hit another driver's door. Drivers must be 21 years old or have a notarized permit from their parents. Drivers must also sign an insurance release form. An entry fee of thirty dollars is charged per car and driver. Many other rules are included in the information packet available from Jeff Strasburger. Phone 219-474-6595 if additional information is required.

The demolition derby has always been a crowd pleaser, and this year's edition should be no different. General admission tickets may be purchased at the Fair Office during the week of the fair or the evening of the event. Make plans to attend this year's show! It's just what the doctor ordered!