Taking 2014 off seems to have made the demolition derby in Kitchener (photos above by Dan Caverly) more popular than ever, with over 3,000 people — possibly closer to 3,500 — attending on Sunday.
“It was the biggest ever,” said organizer Paul Whitford. “I think not having it last year kick-started some motivation into people.”
More entries competed, as well, with 23 cars (up from 16 in 2013) and a half-dozen trucks (up from three) seeing action, with entries coming mainly from the East Kootenay, along with Osoyoos and Grand Forks, and as far away as Walla Walla, Wash., and Fort Assiniboine, Alta.
Taking first place was Mike Gordon of Osoyoos, with Cranbrook’s Lynden Franzreb placing second and Cody Walker Cranbrook placing third.
Elkford’s Jay Marshall placed first in the truck heat, the powder puff match winner was Kristin Tetloc of grand Forks, and Creston’s Kole Hickle won the grudge match as well as the award for good sportsmanship.
Money stick winners were Gordon, Keith Whitecotton of Princeton and Creston’s Leslie Batke.
The award for best paint went to Dana Dodge, sponsored by Robert Rotar Excavating.
And he may not have placed this year, but Russ Maher earned an award as the most dedicated derbier, having never missed a Creston derby since 1982, and always helping other competitors with their cars.
At the same event, Creston’s Brendan Stead had his head shaved by Coleen Woodall as a fundraiser, collecting nearly $1,700 — $1,165 at the derby alone — for the family of seven-year-old cancer patient Isobel “Izzy” Nixon.
