INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Even with on-again-off-again rain throughout much of Friday, the Indian River County Firefighters Fair opened to large crowds eager to take in the rides, munch on the Junk Food Alley offerings and watch vehicles purposely ram each other in the Demolition Derby.
Those who arrived to the fair closer to the opening at 5 p.m. got a few hours to spend taking in the sights. Those who showed up specifically for the Demolition Derby at 7 p.m., however, didn’t get much time to do or see much else before an announcement was made regarding a severe weather system moving into the area, bringing with it ever-brighter and closer bolts of lightning streaking across the sky.
Among those who didn’t get to stay long were Nick Marr and Kayla. Kayla said she came out to see the Demolition Derby and was disappointed it was halted half-way through because of the storm.
“I’m just into it,” she said of watching the crashing cars. “I would love to do it.”
Marr said he’s been to the fair the last couple years and wanted to check out some of the fairgrounds before heading back to the car to head home.
“Everything’s nice,” he said, noting that he looks forward to the fair because it’s “about the only thing to do this time of year.”
As for the Demolition Derby, the three sets of metal bleachers were packed with spectators and the grounds on either side of the bleachers crowded with another couple hundred people eager to hear metal crunch and metal and see sparks fly as the collisions occurred.
Organizers were able to get through the Pretty Car Contest – which 13-year-old “Demo Dave Jr.” took home – and the Mini Car Derby division.
Demo Dave Jr. placed third of seven in the derby, outlasting one driver who lost a rear wheel – not just the tire – and another whose vehicle caught fire and had to be extinguished.
Organizers announced the storm was coming and many in the bleachers quickly exited and those on the ground began making their way back to the main area.
Some, like Marr, hoped to take in a ride or two before calling it a night.
Shortly after 8 p.m., word had spread to the ticket gate and the lights were shut off to the booths. An officer stationed at the entrance was instructed not to let people in. And those just arriving to the fair were turned away.
The 10-day fair continues Saturday and runs through next Sunday, March 18, with better chances of clear weather for festivalgoers.
Check out VeroNews.com’s special Firefighters Fair 2012 Guide for the fair’s schedule, the 4-H fair’s schedule, ticket information and hours of operation.