![Getting a tow, LaPorte County Fair style.]()
Getting a tow, LaPorte County Fair style.
Photos by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Age and gender of driver, type of vehicle (and we use that term “vehicle” loosely) — it doesn’t matter. If it still has even a ghost of a chance of staying alive through one more derby, it’s in the running.
Those whose wheels don’t fall off (literally) and whose engines don’t combust have a chance for glory. Others just know they’ll have a good ol’ time.
Here are some scenes from the demo derbies held during the LaPorte County Fair’s final few days. Talk about your variety!
![A few turkey feathers and deer antlers, and you've got yourself a custom helmet.]()
A few turkey feathers and deer antlers, and you’ve got yourself a custom helmet.
![Don't let the "pretty in pink" facade fool you -- that's steely determination.]()
Don’t let the “pretty in pink” facade fool you — that’s steely determination.
![Hot wheels, indeed.]()
Hot wheels, indeed.
![The driver (standing on hood) seems unfazed as volunteer firefighters cool his engine.]()
The driver (standing on hood) seems unfazed as volunteer firefighters cool his engine.
![Regardless of age, probably every driver would welcome a hug from Mom.]()
Regardless of age, probably every driver would welcome a hug from Mom.
![Um, missing something?]()
Um, missing something?
![This beats the old Bumper Cars ride.]()
This beats the old Bumper Cars ride.
![LaPorte County Fair Queen and country girl Melissa Smoker waves to Saturday's Demo Derby crowd.]()
LaPorte County Fair Queen and country girl Melissa Smoker waves to Saturday’s Demo Derby crowd.
![Winner of the adult Round 1.]()
Winner of the adult Round 1.
![He'll mow your lawn on weekends ...]()
He’ll mow your lawn on weekends …
![Time to look for a new set of wheels for next year.]()
Time to look for a new set of wheels for next year.