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County fair

Fair will roar again with a smashing good time

In addition to the return of the demolition derby, fans can check out a two-day monster truck show.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published April 15, 2005

Hernando County Fair Association president Deb Pedone admits she didn't know how hot an idea she had when she pushed to have the Hernando County Fair and Youth Livestock Show host its first demolition derby last year.

She hoped that such an event might hold enough appeal to bring out some folks who might not otherwise attend the fair.

However, when Pedone stopped by the arena, she could scarcely believe her eyes. The place was packed bleacher to bleacher with fans wanting to experience the junker destruction.

"All the time I'd been thinking that it was a guy thing," Pedone said. "But there were women, girls and little kids all over the place. And they loved it!"

Fans of mechanized mayhem will have plenty to root for at the fair this year with the return of the demolition derby April 23. In addition, the fair will host a two-day monster truck show April 22 and 23.

As was the case last year, the demolition derby will be staged by demolition derby expert Frank Roberts, who has been promoting the contests for more than 40 years. Roberts sees to it that the contestants play by the rules (yes, there are rules in demolition derby competition) and that fan and participant safety rules are strictly followed.

"Last year we had a good turnout for the derby down there, and it was a whale of a show," said Roberts, who expects to have between 25 and 30 local and regional contestants for this year's event.

The derby will be run in traditional style, with contestants competing in elimination heats. The winners of the heats will battle it out in a finale that will determine the winner.

"It gets pretty heated once the flag drops," Roberts said. "You can expect a lot of action."

Fairgoers will be able to find high-octane thrills via 1,800-horsepower monster trucks, which will be featured April 22 and 23 in the livestock arena. According to Pedone, the success of the Southern Monster Truck Show at the fairgrounds in December persuaded her to book the performances for the fair.

"There aren't that many county fairs that feature monster trucks, and we thought it would be a nice addition for the people who like them," Pedone said.

Ocala monster truck experts Orville and Gale Hill will organize the two shows, which are expected to include upward of six monster trucks from throughout the Southeast.

According to Hill, a veteran on the monster truck circuit, the oversized pickups are part dragster, part tractor. Riding on 5-foot-high balloon tires, the trucks can reach a top speed of 80 mph and are capable of leaping 10 feet off the ground.

"It's the ultimate thrill ride," Hill said. "You punch the throttle and you get an unbelievable jolt. It's like riding a bronc."

The demolition derby will kick off at 8 p.m. April 23. Admission to the event is $12 for adults and $5 for kids 4 through 12, and includes fair admission. The monster truck shows will be at 8 p.m. April 22 and 1 p.m. April 23. Admission is $15 for adults and children and includes fair admission. The fair will offer a special "two-pack" ticket for April 23 for both the monster truck show and the demolition derby. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for kids and include fair admission. There is no charge for children under 3 for any of the events.

[Last modified April 15, 2005, 00:49:17]